Is workplace screening for potentially malignant oral disorders feasible in India?

Abstract

Conduction of a screening program by valid visual inspection to detect potentially malignant oral disorders within a workplace is not only feasible but also effective.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders in Indian Population

“…Similar findings and similar spectrum of distribution of oral potentially malignant disorders were detected in Taiwan in a study conducted by Chung et al [ 7 ]. In a recent screening program conducted in India by Warnakulasuriya et al [ 14 ] to detect potentially malignant oral disorders within a workplace, a similar prevalence (5%) of leukoplakia was found. Oral submucous fibrosis showed the highest prevalence (8.06%) amongst the diagnosed oral potentially malignant disorders which were similar to the findings reported by Mehrotra et al [ 15 ].…”

Outcomes of invitational and opportunistic oral cancer screening initiatives in Oporto, Portugal

“…Although some measures were used to improve the compliance rate at invited screenings including provision of transport facilities, screen free of charge, presence of oral cancer survivors and collaborating celebrities for promotion, other strategies are needed to reach a more representative part of populations. Screening in workplace settings may offer a way of getting all sectors who otherwise find it difficult to attend during working homes and is such an alternative strategy (6,33,34). Opportunistic screenings could be offered to patients attending the general dental offices in private or hospital settings.…”

Oral cancer screening for high‐risk individuals in the primary healthcare setting using an active approach

“…The invitation of high‐risk groups could be implemented using postal letters, but this strategy has low rates of adherence , the same as in this study, where invitational letters were effective in only 10% of the sample after home visits had failed. Finally, clinical care facilities to substance dependents and the workplace are other possible settings to select a target population .…”