title: Pilot study to train dentists to communicate about oral cancer: the impact on dentists' self-reported behaviour, confidence and beliefs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of a brief, focused training session on the use of an oral cancer communication guide on dentists' intentions, self-efficacy and beliefs with regards to communicating about oral cancer with patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre-post intervention study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The training session took place in a lecture theatre at King's College London.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dentists working in various settings were trained on the use of the oral cancer communication guide via a structured session that included an update on oral cancer, modelling the use of the guide in practice, and role playing. Dentists (n = 39) completed questionnaires pre-training, immediately post-training (n = 31) and after 2 weeks (n = 23). Questionnaires assessed current practice, self-efficacy and barriers to discussing oral cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significantly higher proportion of dentists reported that they informed patients that they were being screened for oral cancer post-training (44%) than pre-training (16%). Significantly fewer perceived barriers and higher self-efficacy to discuss oral cancer were also reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Training dentists in the use of the guide showed positive impact by reducing perceived barriers and increasing self-efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Division of Population and Patient Health King's College London Dental Institute Caldecot Road, London, SE5 9RW.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Awojobi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Division of Population and Patient Health King's College London Dental Institute Caldecot Road, London, SE5 9RW.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: Unit of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Division of Population and Patient Health King's College London Dental Institute Caldecot Road, London, SE5 9RW.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires