ROLE OF DENTAL SURGEONS IN DIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION OF ORAL CANCERS

ABSTRACT Objective: Determination of the dentists’ role in early diagnosis and prevention of oral cancers. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from January to Feburary 2018 at various dental clinics of Lahore region. Materials and Methods: A designed questionnaire was distributed to the dentists performing their duties at district region of Lahore to find out the role played by them with regard to prevention and early diagnose of fatal diseases. Results: 20% dentist examined thoroughly their patients’ complete oral mucosa. Over 70% dentists enquire their patients about the use of alcohol, tobacco and other risk elements and 65% dentist advised and assist patient in quitting these habits. 50% dentists did not enquire their patients or very rarely ask them about using risk elements of cancer. Only 8% dentist considered the likelihood and then explore for related findings of oral cancer and thereafter only 7% dentists go for biopsy or specialist consultation endorse the findings of suspected lesions. Conclusion: The findings of this research shows that dental surgeons require more work to do for preventing and for early diagnose of oral cancer