Comparing dentists’ and the public’s awareness about oral cancer in a community-based study in Northern Germany

IntroductionThe purpose of the study was to compare the knowledge about oral cancer of dentists and the public using a standardised, internationally accepted questionnaire in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.Material and methodsIn November 2007, a standardised questionnaire about knowledge on oral cancer was mailed to all dentists within the state (n = 2233). Simultaneously, a polling firm conducted a representative survey with a shortened version of the questionnaire, via computer-aided telephone interview, among the public (n = 1000).ResultsThe results are based on 306 usable dental questionnaires (n = 14%) and 1000 interviews of the population. Most of the diagnostic factors were correctly identified by the dentists, whereas less than 30% of the public knew these factors. Only 47% of the dentists and 27% of the public were aware that the patient is asymptomatic in the early stage of oral cancer. The knowledge about risk factors was inconsistent and showed deficits by the dentists as well as by the public.ConclusionsThe survey revealed a few gaps in dentists’ knowledge compared to large deficits in the public’s knowledge about oral cancer. Based on these results, a continuing educational programme for the dentists as well as an educational campaign for the public should be pursued.