Knowledge and awareness about early detection of oral cancer among dental society in Iraq, Baghdad: a cross-sectional study

Background: Oral cancer remains a significant public health concern, with early detection playing a crucial role in improving prognosis and survival rates. Dental professionals are often the first to identify suspicious oral lesions, making their knowledge and awareness critical for timely diagnosis. Aim: This study aimed to assess the attitudes and knowledge of Baghdad's dental community regarding the early detection of oral cancer. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 193 dentists in Baghdad using a self-reported questionnaire. The survey collected data on participants’ demographics, awareness of oral cancer risk factors and clinical signs, and familiarity with diagnostic methods. Results: Most respondents had less than 15 years of professional experience, and only 20.2% held postgraduate qualifications. Regarding risk factor awareness, 41.45% identified tobacco use, 35.75% identified a history of oral cancer, and 8.80% recognized HPV as a risk factor. The most commonly recognized clinical sign was a persistent ulcer (37.3%), followed by white lesions (26.94%). Less frequently noted signs included enlarged lymph nodes (13.98%) and dysphagia (5.18%). In terms of diagnostic preferences, 54.40% favored scalpel biopsy, followed by brush biopsy (22.27%) and exfoliative cytology (14.50%). Less common techniques included Toluidine blue (5.69%), Lugol’s iodine stain (2.07%), and fluorescent imaging (1.03%). Conclusion: While Baghdad's dentists demonstrate a basic understanding of oral cancer risk factors and signs, significant gaps exist in their knowledge of advanced diagnostic and screening methods. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve early detection practices.