THE KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOR AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS TOWARDS DIAGNOSIS OF ORAL PATHOLOGICAL LESIONS BY BIOPSY- A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

The foundation of diagnosing the oral pre malignant and the malignant lesions is biopsy; and the Behavior of taking biopsy should be a familiar Behavior for all dental professionals hence; the main aim of current cross-sectional survey was to explore factors associated with the knowledge, perception and Behavior of Dental practitioners towards diagnosis of Oral Pathological lesion by Biopsy. Current study is a Descriptive Cross-sectional study conducted among 163 dental practitioners including both general dental (GP) practitioners and the specialists excluding Oral pathologists working in private dental set up. To explore knowledge, the perception and Behavior and factors associated with it among dental practitioners, a close ended questionnaire was framed consists of 30 questions divided into 3 parts. Most of study participants {59 (36.19%)} were within 36-45 years age group. Male respondents {109(66.87%)} were more than female respondents. average OPD per month was 1-20 patients by 100 (61.34%) of dental practitioners. knowledge scores regarding Diagnosis of Oral Pathological lesion by Biopsy among all study participants {84 (51.53%)} was low. Perception scores were positive among 64 (39.27%) study participants. behavior scores among majority of Dental practitioners {97 (59.50%)} was poor. From above it was concluded that Dental practitioners had low knowledge, positive attitude and poor behavior regarding towards diagnosis of Oral Pathological lesion by Biopsy. Age in years, Gender, designation, Years of Practice, Average no. of patients with oral lesion seen in the months, Average No. of biopsy done or referred were some of the factors significantly associated with knowledge, the perception and Behavior of Dental practitioners for diagnosis of Oral Pathological lesion by Biopsy.