Conhecimentos e atitudes dos estudantes de medicina dentária na prevenção e diagnóstico precoce do cancro oral

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is increasingly common, being the sixth most common type of cancer in the world, with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Systematic clinical examination of the oral cavity is essential to detect malignant lesions early. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer, and most head and neck cancers originate from the oral mucosal epithelium. Thus, students and future dentists should be aware of the importance of preventing and detecting oral cancer through careful observation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of 4th and 5th year students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Catholic University of Portugal in relation to oral cancer. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out with students of the clinical cycle of Dentistry. For this, a data collection instrument adapted from the questionnaires by Dib (2003) and Horowitz (2000) was used. Before applying the questionnaire, a pre-test was carried out with 20 students to verify the clarity and understanding of the questions. After collecting the data, statistical treatment was carried out using the SPSS software version 26.0. Results: 90 students participated in the study. Among the students, the majority correctly recognized the gender most affected by the pathology, as well as the most common type of oral cancer. 55,6% of students feel confident in diagnosing potentially malignant lesions. In the intra-oral exam, most of the students, 94,4%, include the evaluation of the mucous membranes, tongue, palate, floor of the mouth and retromolar region, while in the extra-oral exam, 81,1% perform palpation of the lymph nodes in the region of the head and neck. Most recognize the importance of future Dentists in the prevention and detection of oral cancer. Only 37,8% of the students guide their patients towards oral self-examination. With regard to risk factors, only 2,2% of students demonstrate precise knowledge, however the vast majority have partial knowledge of these factors. Conclusion: Dental students are adequately informed about oral cancer. Through comprehensive educational programs, they acquire solid theoretical knowledge about the pathologies associated with oral cancer. Students recognize the importance of detailed oral examination in early identification of suspicious lesions. However, it is necessary to promote the practical component and obtain more clinical training in the handling of oral lesions. In fact, it is essential that students are prepared to play an active role in the prevention and early detection of oral cancer.

Date of Award	21 Jul 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Couto (Supervisor), Tiago Marques (Co-Supervisor) & Nélio Jorge Veiga (Co-Supervisor)