Katrin Hertrampf1, Hans-Jürgen Wenz, Michael Koller, Jörg Wiltfang. 1. Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str.3, Haus.26, 24105 Kiel, Germany. hertrampf@mkg.uni-kiel.de
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge about oral cancer of dentists and the public using a standardised, internationally accepted questionnaire in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In November 2007, a standardised questionnaire about knowledge on oral cancer was mailed to all dentists within the state (n=2233). Simultaneously, a polling firm conducted a representative survey with a shortened version of the questionnaire, via computer-aided telephone interview, among the public (n=1000). RESULTS: The results are based on 306 usable dental questionnaires (n=14%) and 1000 interviews of the population. Most of the diagnostic factors were correctly identified by the dentists, whereas less than 30% of the public knew these factors. Only 47% of the dentists and 27% of the public were aware that the patient is asymptomatic in the early stage of oral cancer. The knowledge about risk factors was inconsistent and showed deficits by the dentists as well as by the public. CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed a few gaps in dentists' knowledge compared to large deficits in the public's knowledge about oral cancer. Based on these results, a continuing educational programme for the dentists as well as an educational campaign for the public should be pursued.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge about oral cancer of dentists and the public using a standardised, internationally accepted questionnaire in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In November 2007, a standardised questionnaire about knowledge on oral cancer was mailed to all dentists within the state (n=2233). Simultaneously, a polling firm conducted a representative survey with a shortened version of the questionnaire, via computer-aided telephone interview, among the public (n=1000). RESULTS: The results are based on 306 usable dental questionnaires (n=14%) and 1000 interviews of the population. Most of the diagnostic factors were correctly identified by the dentists, whereas less than 30% of the public knew these factors. Only 47% of the dentists and 27% of the public were aware that the patient is asymptomatic in the early stage of oral cancer. The knowledge about risk factors was inconsistent and showed deficits by the dentists as well as by the public. CONCLUSIONS: The survey revealed a few gaps in dentists' knowledge compared to large deficits in the public's knowledge about oral cancer. Based on these results, a continuing educational programme for the dentists as well as an educational campaign for the public should be pursued.
Authors: Margrit-Ann Geibel; S Carstens; U Braisch; A Rahman; M Herz; A Jablonski-Momeni Journal: Clin Oral Investig Date: 2017-02-23 Impact factor: 3.573
Authors: Jonas Conrad; Jan Retelsdorf; Sameh Attia; Christof Dörfer; Mohamed Mekhemar Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-13 Impact factor: 3.390