title: Oral cancer awareness among dentists in Kuwait.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess oral cancer awareness among dentists in Kuwait.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dentists working at the Ministry of Health Dental Centers and Kuwait University Dental Center using a structured questionnaire. Dentists' knowledge about risk factors of oral cancer and about diagnostic concepts, current practices and opinions, preferred point of referral as well as interest in continuing education were assessed and the responses were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 200 dentists surveyed, 153 responded (76.5% response rate). The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 20.6 ± 4.0 out of a total score of 30. Thirty-five (22.9%) dentists had consistently high knowledge scores for both risk factors and diagnostic concepts. Of the 153 dentists, 132 (86.3%) were interested in obtaining further information about oral cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlighted the need for improved knowledge and education of dental practitioners on oral cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait. bobby@hsc.edu.kw
authors.forename: Bobby K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Devipriya B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sundaram
authors.forename: Prem
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires