Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

Open Access ISSN: 2639-9458

Abstract


Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Precancerous Lesions Among Dentists and Dental Students in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Authors: Asma Saleh Almeslet

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of oral precancerous lesions and risk factors of oral cancer among soon-to-be graduating students and general dentists in Riyadh city. A selfadministered questionnaire was distributed to senior dental students in different dental colleges in Riyadh city using a modified version of previously validated templates.

Result: A total of 872 questionnaires were returned. Most of the respondents were dental students almost 73%, while general practitioners were 27.2%. More than half were females (56.8%) in the sample. Leukoplakia was described by 64.1% of respondents as the most common type of oral precancerous lesion while 63% described the tongue as most common site of oral erythroplakia.

Conclusion: Awareness and detection of oral precancerous lesions among dental students and dentists in Riyadh city was satisfactory. All dentists should be aware of clinical aspects of the commonest precancerous lesions in order to optimize early diagnosis.

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