Abstract
Introduction: Oral cancer (OC) is the second most common type of cancer in Pakistan, and early diagnosis can improve survival rates. However, 75% of these cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. To reduce the incidence and mortality associated with OC, emphasis should be placed on the detailed screening of the oral cavity by dentists. Prevention and early detection practices are important because they increase 5-year survival and reduce recurrence. This study aimed to assess the early detection practices of OC by dentists and determine the factors influencing their screening practices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, among 235 dentists from the public and private sectors of Islamabad, Pakistan. A validated survey questionnaire with 62 closed-ended items was used. The outcome variable "early detection practices of oral carcinomas" was measured on a scale of 0-8 based on the steps involved in the screening practices. Knowledge scores related to clinical presentation (0-14) and risk factors (0-16) of OC were generated by assigning one point to each correct response. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors influencing early detection practice scores. RESULTS: A total of 81.7% of participants had low knowledge related to clinical presentation (mean score = 7.5, SD = 2.2), and 55.3% had high knowledge (mean score = 10.4, SD = 2.06) related to the risk factors of OCs. The mean score for practices related to the early detection of oral carcinomas was 5.4 (SD = 2.04). The duration since attending professional development courses significantly predicted early detection practice scores (p < 0.001). With increasing duration, the early detection practice scores decreased. Moreover, "guidelines about OC examinations" significantly predicted practice scores (higher scores where written guidelines were present) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study offers new evidence on dentists' early detection practices in Pakistan and factors that influence them supporting future training and policy initiatives. It highlights that the early detection of OC improves prognosis, reduces mortality, and minimizes treatment costs. These results emphasize regular professional development courses for the early detection of OC among dentists. This indicates that early detection practices are better in facilities with written guidelines, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive educational materials and training of dentists to improve screening practices. Healthcare authorities should put efforts into implementing a continuous dental education system tailored to the needs of dentists in Pakistan.
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