An Overview of Oral Cancer Screening Programs in Family Dentistry

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The incidence of oral cancer is increasing, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the improvements in cancer treatment, the survival rate of oral cancer is still low. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve the 5- year survival rate in these patients. Screening for oral cancer is considered an effective method for detecting and managing oral cancers early. General dental practitioners and family dentists can play a vital role in oral cancer screening programs due to their critical role as frontline dental professionals. However, the integration of oral cancer screening into family dentistry is still inadequate. Thus, this review aims to discuss the role of general dental practitioners and family dentists in oral cancer screening programs. Oral cancer screening programs conducted in various countries have demonstrated effectiveness and cost-effectiveness; however, challenges, such as length bias and lead time bias, still limit the generalizability and the reliability of these findings. A lack of routine oral cancer screening was observed due to limited knowledge, skills, and confidence among general dental practitioners and family dentists. It is crucial to enhance their awareness and knowledge of oral cancer detection, along with improving dental education. Artificial intelligence can improve the accessibility of oral screening programs, especially in low-resource areas. Future studies should focus on developing strategies to improve the awareness and knowledge of family dentists and integrating them into oral cancer screening programs.