Dentists Role in Early Detection and Oral Cancer Awareness

Introduction: The accelerated growth of oral cancer is a constant and alarming concern for global health. Reports about oral cavity cancer, around 0.37 million new reports and 0.17 million deaths were recorded. Most oral cancers are preceded by oral potentially malignant disorder or disorders (OPMD), with a general prevalence of 4.47%. General dentists play a critical role in the detection of oral malignant lesions and OPMD. However, many dentists fail to evaluate and diagnose these injuries. Obstacles to routine oral examination by the dentist have been recognized and include lack of knowledge and experience of professionals. Objective: The objective of this review is to show the importance of the task of the general dentist in ahead of time of oral cancer. Method: A manual literature review search was performed in the PubMed and EBSCO databases by two researchers, using a combination of keywords “oral potentially malignant disorders” AND “cancer risk "AND “Oral cancer.” AND “prevention”. Discussion: OPMD suggesting that oral precancers are benign conditions that can eventually develop into invasive malignancies in the long term. In general dentistry, it plays a fundamental role in the early diagnosis of OPMD and oral cancer, because the professional is the main health personnel who is in contact with the patient in each dental care, so he must have important knowledge of the characteristics of OPMD and oral cancer to be able to recognize early and refer in time Various studies suggest that dentists have deficiencies in knowledge about the etiology and diagnosis of oral cancer. Conclusion: General dentists have an important role in the detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant lesions; However, the essential thing is to promote a thorough examination as part of your routine clinical examination and refer findings in a timely manner. An early diagnosis not only improves the patient's life survival but also reduces comorbidities associated with oncological treatment and reduces costs and improves quality of life.