title: Comparing dentists' and the public's awareness about oral cancer in a community-based study in Northern Germany.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge about oral cancer of dentists and the public using a standardised, internationally accepted questionnaire in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  In November 2007, a standardised questionnaire about knowledge on oral cancer was mailed to all dentists within the state (n=2233). Simultaneously, a polling firm conducted a representative survey with a shortened version of the questionnaire, via computer-aided telephone interview, among the public (n=1000).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results are based on 306 usable dental questionnaires (n=14%) and 1000 interviews of the population. Most of the diagnostic factors were correctly identified by the dentists, whereas less than 30% of the public knew these factors. Only 47% of the dentists and 27% of the public were aware that the patient is asymptomatic in the early stage of oral cancer. The knowledge about risk factors was inconsistent and showed deficits by the dentists as well as by the public.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The survey revealed a few gaps in dentists' knowledge compared to large deficits in the public's knowledge about oral cancer. Based on these results, a continuing educational programme for the dentists as well as an educational campaign for the public should be pursued.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str.3, Haus.26, 24105 Kiel, Germany. hertrampf@mkg.uni-kiel.de
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hertrampf
authors.forename: Hans-Jürgen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Wenz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wiltfang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003149:Community Dentistry; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult