Oral cancer knowledge and practices of dentists along the Texas-Mexico border

Background. The study assessed the knowledge and clinical practices of Texas-Mexico border dentists in oral cancer prevention and early detection. Methods. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all 398 dentists registered to practice along the Texas-Mexico border. Results. Inadequacies and ambivalence in respondents' oral cancer knowledge and practices were evident. Performance of oral cancer examinations was associated with positive perception of undergraduate oral cancer training (P = .02). Most respondents (81%) were interested in oral cancer continuing education (CE). Conclusions. More emphasis on oral cancer training for dental students as well as provision of oral cancer CE to respondents are recommended.