| সংক্ষিপ্ত: | Background: Dentists are typically the first professionals who are approached to treat ailments within the oral
cavity. Therefore they should be well-equipped in detecting suspicious lesions during routine clinical practice.
This study determined the levels of knowledge on early signs and risk factors associated with oral cancer and
identified which factors influenced dentist participation in prevention and early detection of oral cancer. Materials
and Methods: A survey on dentists’ knowledge and their practices in prevention and early detection of oral
cancer was conducted using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: A response
rate of 41.7% was achieved. The level of knowledge on early signs and risk habits associated with oral cancer
was high and the majority reported to have conducted opportunistic screening and advised patients on risk
habit cessation. Factors that influenced the dentist in practising prevention and early detection of oral cancer
were continuous education on oral cancer, age, nature of practice and recent graduation. Notably, dentists were
receptive to further training in the area of oral cancer detection and cessation of risk habits. Taken together,
the study demonstrated that the dental clinic is a good avenue to conduct programs on opportunistic screening,
and continuous education in these areas is necessary to adequately equip dentists in running these programs.
Further, this study also highlighted knowledge deficits and practice shortcomings which will help in planning and
developing programs that further encourage better participation of dentists in prevention and early detection
of oral cancer.
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