Dentist's knowledge regarding oral mucosal lesions: Revealing the diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The management of oral mucosal disease necessitates establishing the correct diagnosis from a range of presenting lesions. Practitioners have to possess adequate knowledge about the likely differential diagnosis. Many studies suggest that general practitioners (dentists) fail to detect oral mucosal lesions (OMLs), especially oral precancerous lesion as well as early oral cancer because of their indifferent attitude and knowledge about these lesions. [1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9] Few studies have investigated the knowledge and opinions of general dental practitioners and specialists other than oral surgeon and medics about OML including oral cancer, as these personnel come across such lesions more frequently as often in their outpatient department and thereby know the planned management of these lesions. METHOD: The present study aims to identify, compare, and analyze the knowledge and opinions of dentist regarding OML and evaluate the differences between the attitudes of dentist by practice settings in Pune city, by using questionnaire method. [2] RESULT: most of the dentist found difficulty in diagnosing oral mucosal lesions which are the manifestations of systemic diseases. CONCLUSION: Here we concluded that most of the dentist found difficulty in diagnosing the oral mucosal lesion. Professional dental education programs and courses can help them to enhance their knowledge, skill and ability in diagnosing the various oral mucosal lesions.