Awareness, comprehension, and sentiments of dentists in Najaf City on oral cancer screening: a questioner-based study
https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0181
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Oral cancer screening during dental consultations is a simple and non-invasive method for identifying pre-malignant lesions and early-stage malignancies. This research aimed to examine the knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes related to oral cancer screening among dentists in Najaf City.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and self-reported interviews with 250 dentists, performed from October 15, 2023, to December 20, 2024, at the Martyr Nasser specialised Centre and the specialised centre in the Maysan area. Each dentist required around 5 to 10 minutes to complete the self-report questionnaire and participate in the interview on their knowledge of screening.
RESULTS. 250 dentists were asked to participate in the research, and all of them filled out the survey, yielding a 100% response rate. The dentists’ knowledge of oral cancer in this study was not very good overall. Most dentists in this survey (87.6%) regularly check their patients’ oral mucosa, but only a small number (49.2%) say they are sure they can diagnose and find oral cancer. About 49% of dentists lack confidence in diagnosing and detecting oral cancer.
CONCLUSIONS. Dentists have a good understanding of oral cancer, but they need more training on how to prevent it and find it early. They should also keep learning and going to seminars.
About the Authors
K. N. Shareef
University of Al-Kafeel
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Karrar N. Shareef – PhD, Lecturer, College of Dentistry
Al Nedaa Street, Najaf, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
A. F. Rfysh
University of Al-Kafeel
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Ali Falah Rfysh – MSc, Assistant Lecturer, College of Dentistry
Al Nedaa Street, Najaf, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
A. S. Jubran
University of Al-Kafeel
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Abdulsahib S. Jubran – PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Dentistry
Al Nedaa Street, Najaf, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Review
For citations:
Shareef K.N., Rfysh A.F., Jubran A.S. Awareness, comprehension, and sentiments of dentists in Najaf City on oral cancer screening: a questioner-based study. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(1):218-223. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0181
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