Dental Student Knowledge of the Role of Early Detection of Oral Cancer: Multi Center Cross Sectional Study

Background: Oral cancer is a major global health issue, where early detection is essential for enhancing survival rates. Dental students, as the next generation of practitioners, have an important role in detecting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of Yemeni dental students about OPMDs and strategies for early detection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 323 dental students from various Yemeni universities. An online questionnaire evaluated students' understanding of oral cancer risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic tools, and screening practices. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21, applying chi-square tests to explore relationships between demographic factors and oral cancer awareness. Results: The results indicated significant knowledge gaps, with only 28.1% of students accurately identifying the OPMD with the highest malignant transformation rate and 27.2% acknowledging oral cancer risk factors. Awareness of regular oral cancer screenings was particularly low (16.5%). Female students displayed greater awareness regarding the importance of screening (p = 0.004), while students with 0–5 years of experience showed better knowledge of diagnostic tools (p = 0.023). These findings emphasize the necessity for improved educational initiatives in oral cancer detection. Conclusion This study highlights the need for focused educational programs to enhance dental students' understanding of oral cancer and OPMDs. Tackling these knowledge gaps through enhancements to the curriculum and ongoing education initiatives can empower future dentists to play a more effective role in early detection and prevention, ultimately alleviating the burden of oral cancer in Yemen.