Assessing Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Practice Among Dentists in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer poses a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, driven by high-risk behaviors such as betel nut consumption and tobacco use. Despite the critical role of dentists in early detection, gaps remain in their awareness, diagnostic confidence, and standardized screening practices, underscoring the need for targeted research in this area. Objective: This study aimed to assess oral cancer awareness, knowledge of risk factors, screening practices, and barriers among dentists in Pakistan, with the goal of identifying actionable gaps and informing interventions to improve early detection and patient outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental professionals across Pakistan (n = 181), including general dentists, house officers, and specialists. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from public and private institutions. Data were collected via a validated, structured online questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, screening practices, and perceived challenges. The primary outcome was the level of awareness and implementation of oral cancer screening protocols. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Bacha Khan Medical College, and all procedures followed the Helsinki Declaration. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive and inferential approaches applied to the categorical data. Results: Of the 181 respondents, 75.3% were general dentists and 49.5% practiced in private clinics. While 98.9% endorsed routine oral cancer screening, only 20.3% felt very confident in diagnosing the disease. Betel nut (52.7%) and smoking (39.7%) were most often identified as primary risk factors, while persistent ulcer (64.8%) was the most recognized early sign. Visual examination was the primary screening method (63.7%), with significant gaps noted in biopsy utilization (21.4%) and continuing education (24.2% updated knowledge regularly). The most frequently reported barrier was patients’ lack of awareness (56.6%), with a substantial proportion of referrals to specialists (48.4%). Statistically significant differences were observed in diagnostic confidence and screening practices across professional groups (p < 0.05), highlighting systemic challenges. Conclusion: Significant deficiencies in oral cancer awareness, diagnostic confidence, and screening implementation persist among dentists in Pakistan, despite high recognition of risk factors. Addressing these gaps through targeted curriculum reforms, ongoing professional development, and public awareness initiatives is essential to strengthen early detection and improve oral cancer outcomes in high-risk populations.