A Comparison between the Knowledge of Dental Students and General Dentists about Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Hamadan-Iran)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer and dentists have a vital role in its prevention and early detection. The purpose of the present study was a comparative evaluation of knowledge between fifth and sixth year dental students and general dentists in Hamadan about to OSCC.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Hamadan in 2009. Eighty general dentists and 70 dental students participated in the study and filled out our questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS software, version 16, by t-test and Pierson co-efficient correlation.

The mean knowledge score was 8.55±2.21 and 6.48±2.34 of 13 in students and dentists respectively which was significantly different (P< 0.001). There was not a significant correlation between either age, gender, interval of last study about OSCC, the interest in participation in related seminars and self evaluation of students about OSCC, with their knowledge score but dentist's knowledge were declined by increase in age, time passed from graduation and the last time of their study about OSCC statistically.

This study indicated that knowledge of dental students and general dentists about OSCC is not enough in Hamadan; also, there was a significant difference between them and it seems there needs to be a greater emphasis on various educational programs about this subject both before and after graduation. Key words: Knowledge, dental student, general dentist, oral squamous cell carcinoma.