Knowledge of oral cancer and associated factors among senior dental students at a Peruvian university: A cross-sectional study.

Claudia Nathaly Caballero-Orbegoso; Jeiser Yubel Zavaleta-Valverde · TUMI Oral Health (2026) · DOI: 10.64716/vnv7sf89

Resumen

Oral cancer represents a significant global public health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality, largely attributed to late diagnosis and insufficient awareness among healthcare professionals. Dental students play a crucial role in early detection and prevention; therefore, assessing their level of knowledge is essential to identify educational gaps. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge regarding oral cancer among senior dental students at a Peruvian university. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 students enrolled in the final academic years. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire administered via Google Forms, evaluating knowledge across five domains: epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the findings. Overall, 83.6% (n = 61) of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge, while 9.6% (n = 7) and 6.8% (n = 5) showed moderate and low levels, respectively. Regarding specific domains, high knowledge levels were observed in prevention (79.4%), treatment (76.7%), etiopathogenesis (75.3%), diagnosis (50.7%), and epidemiology (47.9%). Despite the generally high overall knowledge, variability across domains suggests the presence of specific gaps, particularly in epidemiological and diagnostic aspects. In conclusion, senior dental students exhibited a predominantly high level of knowledge about oral cancer; however, targeted educational strategies are recommended to strengthen critical areas and enhance early detection competencies.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Los Ángeles de Chimbote