Oral cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dentists in Kabul, Afghanistan

Oral cancer is a major global health concern, with low survival due to late diagnosis and insufficient knowledge among dental professionals. This study assessed oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dentists in Kabul, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 licensed dentists practicing at stomatology hospitals or private dental clinics in Kabul between January and September 2025. Data was collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic information. Responses were anonymous and analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants were predominantly male (69.3%) and aged 23–29 years (65.1%). Over half had less than five years of professional dental experience (53.3%), and most practiced general dentistry (64.2%) in private clinics (66.2%). Continuing Medical Education (CME) participation was limited, with 83% reporting no prior attendance. Clinical knowledge of oral cancer was moderate (mean 6.28 ± 2.35), with 65.6% scoring low and 34.4% medium/high. Knowledge of oral cancer risk factors was higher (mean 9.13 ± 1.66), with 67.5% demonstrating medium/high knowledge. Major behavioral risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and Naswar use, were widely recognized, whereas awareness of age-, diet-, and viral-related risks were more limited Most dentists referred suspicious lesions to specialists (43.4%), but few had performed biopsies or referrals in the past year. Assessment of patient risk factors was inconsistent, with more focus on tobacco use than alcohol consumption or cancer history. Clinical knowledge of oral cancer was significantly associated with the dentist’s experience and place of practice, with higher knowledge among dentists with > 10 years of experience, and those working in government hospitals. Risk factor knowledge showed no significant associations. Dentists practicing in Kabul demonstrated moderate oral cancer knowledge, relatively low levels of engagement in preventive practices, and infrequent CME participation, highlighting areas where targeted education may help support early detection and management of oral cancer.