North Carolina dental hygienists' oral cancer knowledge and opinions: implications for education.
BACKGROUND
Appropriately trained dental hygienists can participate in oral cancer (OC) control.


METHODS
We assessed knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and opinions regarding OC education among 651 dental hygienists practicing in North Carolina using a mail survey. We constructed regression models of factors influencing high knowledge levels.


RESULTS
Most correctly identified tobacco and alcohol use as OC risk factors, and 52% felt their knowledge of OC was current; however, we identified gaps. Diagnostic knowledge was highest for those who were recent graduates or received continuing education in the last 5 years; 96% were interested in future continuing education.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased OC education content in dental hygiene curricula and training programs for practicing hygienists is needed to enhance early detection of OC.
Ashe
Tanya E
TE
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450, USA.
Elter
John R
JR
Southerland
Janet H
JH
Strauss
Ronald P
RP
Patton
Lauren L
LL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000193:education; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors