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Objectives: This systematic review aimed to analyse the published evidence for the use of non-invasive methods for the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Methods: The literature was systematically searched through several databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Additional exploration was performed through cross-checks on the bibliographies of selected reviews. The inclusion criteria involved studies assessing the application of non-invasive tests on humans in the screening, diagnosis, or surveillance of OSCC or OPMDs and reporting sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP). The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was applied to assess the quality of the studies included. Results: The search strategy resulted in 8012 preliminary records. After a duplicate check, 116 titles remained. After abstract analysis, 70 papers remained. After full text analysis, only 54 of the 70 papers fit the inclusion criteria (28 were original articles and 26 were reviews). Those 26 reviews were used to manually search for further original articles. From this last search, 33 original articles were found. Thus, a total of 61 original studies were included and investigated. Findings from this systematic review indicate useful information, such as a description of the mechanisms, ease of use, limitations, and SE and SP values, to drive the choice of the optimal minimally invasive method to be utilized as an adjunctive tool to examine the suspicious lesions. Conclusions: Each of the analysed tools can be improved or implemented, considering their high SE and low SP. Despite advancements, incisional biopsy continues to be the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of oral cancer and precancerous lesions. Further research and development are essential to improving the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of non-invasive tools for widespread clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, awareness, and behaviors of dentists and senior dental students regarding oral cancer (OC). Materials and methods: This study included 168 dentists and senior dental students who had completed all theoretical educations and clinical practices. An online survey was administered to all participants to assess their awareness of the risk factors for OC, clinical knowledge, and behaviors. The participants' demographic characteristics and knowledge of OC were analyzed. Results: Of the participants, 48.8% were female and 51.2% were male. Their mean age was 27.04 ± 5.56 years (range: 21–51). In addition, 59.5% were dentists, and 40.5% were senior dental students. The dentists' mean time since graduation was 6.38 ± 5.64 years (range: 1–27). Routine oral mucosa examination for OC was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05). Among all participants, 33% of dentists and 51.5% of senior dental students had poor knowledge of OC-related or possibly predisposing factors. Routine evaluation of OC-related and predisposing risk factors, including human papillomavirus infection, smoking, alcohol use, trauma-related non-healing oral lesions caused by long-term incompatible prostheses, and poor oral hygiene, was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Educating dental students about a more comprehensive oral examination and early diagnosis of OC would help overcome the current lack of adequate knowledge and attitudes in OC prevention and early detection. A core curriculum compatible with the global standards on OC should be provided to dental students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the importance of regular dental visits for detecting oral cancer, millions of low‐income adults lack access to dental services. In July 2009, California eliminated adult Medicaid dental benefits. We tested if this impacted oral cancer detection for Medicaid enrollees. Methods: We analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicaid data, which contains verified Medicaid enrollment status, to estimate a difference‐in‐differences model. Our design compares the change in early‐stage (Stages 0–II) diagnoses before and after dropping dental benefits in California with the change in early‐stage diagnoses among eight states that did not change Medicaid dental benefits. Patients were grouped by oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and non‐OPC (oral cavity cancer), type, and the length of Medicaid enrollment. We also assessed if the effect of dropping dental benefits varied by the number of dentists per capita. Results: Dropping Medicaid dental benefits was associated with a 6.5%‐point decline in early‐stage diagnoses of non‐OPC (95% CI = −14.5, −3.2, p = 0.008). This represented a 20% relative reduction from baseline rates. The effect was highest among beneficiaries with 3 months of continuous Medicaid enrollment prior to diagnosis who resided in counties with more dentists per capita. Specifically, dropping dental coverage was associated with a 1.25%‐point decline in the probability of early‐stage non‐OPC diagnoses for every additional dentist per 5000 population (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Eliminating Medicaid dental benefits negatively impacted early detection of cancers of the oral cavity. Continued volatility of Medicaid dental coverage and provider shortages may be further delaying oral cancer diagnoses. Alternative approaches are needed to prevent advanced stage OPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection during routine dental check-ups is crucial for improved patient outcomes. Dental professionals play a pivotal role in conducting oral cancer screenings, but the frequency and methods they employ remain understudied. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the frequency of oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups conducted by dental professionals and the methods they commonly use. Materials and Methods: A survey was administered to 500 dental professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists, representing diverse demographics and practice settings. The survey collected data on the frequency of oral cancer screenings and the primary methods employed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The study found that 85% of dental professionals conduct oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, with 48% performing them annually and 33% at every visit. Visual inspection (97%) and palpation (83%) were the most commonly used methods, while adjunctive screening tools (45%) were less frequently incorporated. Conclusion: Dental professionals are actively engaged in oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, demonstrating a commitment to early detection. Visual inspection and palpation are commonly employed methods, but there is room for improvement in the adoption of adjunctive screening tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]