Awareness of oral cancer and precancer among final year medical and dental students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
- Author:
Mohaideen Sitheeque
;
Zulkifli Ahmad
;
Rajan Saini
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Medical education;
dental education;
oral cancer;
oral potentially malignant disorders;
curriculum
- MeSH:
Mouth Neoplasms;
Awareness;
Data Collection;
Students, Medical
- From:Archives of Orofacial Sciences
2014;9(2):53-64
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge of final year dental and medical students of
Universiti Sains Malaysia concerning epidemiology, aetiology, clinical aspects, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire with 36 questions was used. Forty five dental students and 147 medical students participated in the study. Dental students were
relatively better informed than their medical colleagues concerning most issues addressed in the questionnaire. Yet, in some areas of knowledge, the dental students did not differ significantly from their medical colleagues. Only a small proportion of both groups of students expressed confidence in their knowledge and skills in oral cancer prevention and detection. This study revealed areas of deficiency in the awareness of these students concerning oral cancer and OPMD. It points to a necessity to strengthen these aspects of medical and dental undergraduate curricula.
- Full text:P020141201386882298086.pdf
