Oral cancer awareness of general medical and general dental practitioners.

L.M. Carter, G.R. Ogden

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    103 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective To assess general medical practitioners’ (GMPs’) and
    general dental practitioners’ (GDPs’) awareness of prevention and early
    detection of oral cancer.
    Design Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.
    Setting Primary care.
    Method Questionnaires were delivered to all GMPs and GDPs in
    Tayside, assessing oral examination habits, delivery of advice on oral
    cancer risk factors, knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and clinical
    appearance, preferred point of referral and requests for further
    information.
    Results Response rates of 71% and 84% were obtained from GMPs
    and GDPs respectively. GMPs were less likely to examine patients’ oral
    mucosa routinely, less likely to advise patients about risk factors for
    oral cancer, identified fewer risk factors for, and felt less confi dent
    about diagnosing oral cancer from clinical appearance than their
    dental counterparts. Seventy-one percent and 80% of GMPs and GDPs
    respectively requested further information about oral cancer.
    Conclusion Patients with oral lesions often present to their general
    medical practitioner. The incidence of oral cancer is rising in the United
    Kingdom, therefore the role of general medical practitioners in prevention
    and detection of oral cancer is becoming ever more important.
    This study highlights the need for improved education of general medical
    practitioners on oral cancer.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)248-9
    Number of pages2
    JournalBritish Dental Journal
    Volume203
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 8 Sept 2007

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