Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of General Dentists in Yazd City about Oral and Dental Care of Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in 2021-2022

Treatment of head and neck cancers, it can have adverse effects on patients' oral health status. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of general dentists in Yazd City in the field of oral care in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 134 general dentists were selected by systematic random sampling and their awareness and practice level were assessed using by using a researcher-made questionnaire with valid and reliable questionnaire (r=0.81). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25, t-test and ANOVA tests.

The mean score of knowledge score was 11.44 ±2.03 out of18 and mean of practice score was11.9 ±3.41 out OF 20. The mean score of knowledge was not significantly associated with age, work experience and practice score were not significantly associated with gender, age and work experience, but the mean score of knowledge in women was significantly higher than men (P=0.01). Moreover, dentists worked in both clinic and Personal office showed significantly higher awareness (P=0.001). The average practice score of dentists in personal office was significantly higher than other options (P=0.03).

Dentists of Yazd had moderate knowledge and performance level in the field of oral and dental care in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It seems that the need to hold programs with this theme in the sessions of continuing education and holding training and educational webinar to improve the level of awareness and clinical practice to provide desirable services to these patients should be considered.