Background
To assess the knowledge levels of postgraduate students in the departments of oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMFR) and oral surgery (OS) regarding diagnostic adjuncts for oral mucosal lesions.
Methods
Postgraduate students enrolled in OMFR and OS programs across dental faculties nationwide between 2019 and 2021 were included. A total of 434 participants were selected based on specific criteria. A 40-question questionnaire with items formulated by specialists with at least 15 years of experience covered basic information, principles/mechanisms, application techniques, and result interpretation. The survey was distributed online, and responses were collected anonymously. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, including descriptive statistics and significance testing.
Results
A total of 131 postgraduate students participated. Demographic characteristics of the participants were largely comparable. The questionnaire revealed that participants exhibited accurate responses to questions related to basic information and staining methods. However, questions related to optical methods received significantly more inaccurate responses, indicating a lack of knowledge in this area. No significant impact of age, gender, or postgraduate education program was observed on the accuracy of responses.
Conclusions
Despite a general awareness of basic information and staining methods for oral mucosal lesions, postgraduate students showed a notable lack of knowledge regarding optical diagnostic methods. Enhancements in theoretical curricula and hands-on clinical training are recommended to bridge this knowledge gap and improve diagnostic capabilities in detecting oral cancer. These findings highlight the need for continued education and training on diagnostic adjuncts for oral cancer among dental professionals.
