Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
Rayan Hamid
University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Sudan
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Ann Essence Dent
Background: Dental practitioners are responsible for the early detection of Orally Potential Malignant Disorders depending on their knowledge. The present study was developed to assess the knowledge and awareness of dentists in Khartoum State regarding the Early detection and management of oral potentially malignant disorders. Methods: A 30 Itemed questionnaire was structured and posted online to all dental groups on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Two hundred ninety participants responded to the questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Although 82% of the dentists were able to identify oral leukoplakia as the most common OPMD .100% of participants scored weak knowledge regarding the risk factors of oral leukoplakia, and 39.6 % of participants only were able to identify Smokeless tobacco as a risk factor for oral leukoplakia. This result is a great concern as Smokeless tobacco is the most common type of smoking used in Sudan.74% of the participants reported that the floor of the mouth is the most common site for OPMD. However, 70% of the participants scored weak knowledge regarding Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Management of oral leukoplakia. Interestingly, the vast majority 94% of participants reported that they prefer to refer and consult pathologists and oral medicine specialists regarding suspicious white lesions. Conclusion: The study identified an existing gap of knowledge among dental practitioners in oral potentially malignant disorders in Khartoum state and highlighted the need for more strong educational programs for oral cancer prevention and early diagnosis .