title: North Carolina dental hygienists' oral cancer knowledge and opinions: implications for education.
abstract: 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.
authors: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450, USA.
authors: Tanya E
authors: TE
authors: Ashe
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: Elter
authors: Janet H
authors: JH
authors: Southerland
authors: Ronald P
authors: RP
authors: Strauss
authors: Lauren L
authors: LL
authors: Patton
mesh_terms: 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