U.S. dental hygienists' knowledge and opinions related to providing oral cancer examinations.
BACKGROUND
Because U.S. dental hygienists play a significant role in providing prevention and early-detection services, it is important to describe and evaluate their oral cancer knowledge and opinions.


METHODS
A pretested survey, cover letter, and prepaid return envelope were mailed to 960 dental hygienists, followed by three complete follow-up mailings.


RESULTS
The respondents were not as knowledgeable about oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures as hypothesized. Although the respondents were well informed about certain key aspects of oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures, there were many aspects of these topics in which they were deficient and in some cases misinformed.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental hygiene curricula should be updated and continuing education coursesabout oral cancer should be developed and implemented.
Forrest
J L
JL
National Center for Dental Hygiene Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-0641, USA.
Drury
T E
TE
Horowitz
A M
AM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States