Assessing oral cancer knowledge among dental students in South Carolina.
BACKGROUND
Because South Carolina has the fourth highest mortality rate for oral cancer among the 50 states, dental students in the state must be knowledgeable about prevention and early detection of the disease.


METHODS
In 2002, the authors surveyed 163 students using a written questionnaire (response rate, 79.1 percent). The questionnaire included questions about oral cancer risk and nonrisk factors as well as oral cancer diagnostic signs, symptoms and examination procedures. The authors performed univariate and bivariate analyses (alpha < or = .025).


RESULTS
At least 93 percent of the students replied that tobacco, alcohol and previous oral cancer lesions were risk factors. One hundred six students (65 percent) knew that the most likely site for oral cancer is the ventrolateral border of the tongue. Students differed in their overall knowledge of risk factors (P = .002), nonrisk factors (P < .001) and diagnostic procedures (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Although students' level of knowledge increased with academic year, educators and policy-makers need to place greater emphasis on oral cancer education and training in dental schools.


CONCLUSIONS
Morbidity and mortality are likely to be reduced if dentists know how to prevent and detect oral cancer.
Cannick
Gabrielle F
GF
Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Horowitz
Alice M
AM
Drury
Thomas F
TF
Reed
Susan G
SG
Day
Terry A
TA
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013022:South Carolina; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*