Research Article

Knowledge of Future Dental Practitioners towards Oral Cancer: Exploratory Findings from a Public University in Malaysia

Table 2

Level of knowledge of participants on oral cancer.

VariablesDental students (%)Total 114 (%)Stat. cal. value
Fifth year (%)Fourth year (%)Third year (%)

Do you examine patients’ oral mucosa routinely?
 Yes37 (32.4)32 (28.0)45 (39.4)114 (100%)
 No0000 (0.0)
Do you screen the oral mucosa if the patients are in high risk of categories?χ2 = 2.358, DF = 2, P = 0.308
 Yes2 (1.7)1 (0.8)03 (2.6)
 No35 (30.7)31 (27.2)45 (39.4)111 (97.3)
When you have graduated will you advise patients about the risk factors for oral cancer?χ2 = 0.822, DF = 2, P = 0.663
 Yes36 (31.5)32 (28.0)44 (38.6)112 (98.2)
 No1 (0.8)01 (0.8)2 (1.7)
Have you had the opportunity to examine patients with oral lesions?χ2 = 15.892, DF = 2, P = 0.000
 Yes13 (11.4)18 (15.7)6 (5.2)37 (32.4)
 No24 (21.0)14 (12.2)39 (34.2)77 (67.5)
Do you think a patient should go to a doctor or dentist if he/she has an oral lesions?χ2 = 2.107, DF = 2, P = 0.349
 Doctor5 (4.3)3 (2.6)2 (1.7)10 (8.7)
 Dentist32 (28.0)29 (25.4)43 (37.7)104 (91.2)
Do you feel that you have sufficient knowledge concerning prevention and detection of oral cancer? χ2 = 28.598, DF = 2, P = 0.000
 Yes23 (20.1)13 (11.4)3 (2.6)39 (34.2)
 No14 (12.2)19 (16.6)42 (36.8)75 (65.7)
Would you like more information or teaching on oral cancer?χ2 = 4.055, DF = 2, P = 0.132
 Yes35 (30.7)29 (25.4)45 (39.4)109 (95.6)
 No2 (1.7)3 (2.6)05 (4.3)

Significant at were bold.