Oral Cancer Education in Dental Institutions: Knowledge and Experience Among Dental Students – A Questionnaire Based Study

Background: Dental curriculum and cancer education are becoming increasingly important as oral health professionals play a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancers, as well as understanding the impact of cancer treatments on oral health.In India, the integration of cancer education into dental curricula is evolving, but there are still some gaps in terms of systematic incorporation across all dental colleges, which will be dealt by increasing focus on increasing knowledge among students on early detection, cancer treatment and its related oral care, interdisciplinary programs, especially considering the high prevalence of oral cancer in the country.The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, experiences and level of oral cancer education of clinical dental students on the management and prevention of oral malignancy.Results: Knowledge score obtained was 68%, with significant variations between years of study (p< 0.05).Final-year students demonstrated better knowledge compared to third-year students, particularly in identifying risk factors and clinical features of oral cancer. Conclusion:It is clear that while a significant proportion of dental students are aware of the risk factors, clinical signs, and preventive measures related to oral cancer, there is a need for further enhancement of their education in this crucial area.