Background: Because U.S. dental hygienists play a significant role in providing prevention and early-detection services, it is important to describe and evaluate their oral cancer knowledge and opinions.
Methods: A pretested survey, cover letter, and prepaid return envelope were mailed to 960 dental hygienists, followed by three complete follow-up mailings.
Results: The respondents were not as knowledgeable about oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures as hypothesized. Although the respondents were well informed about certain key aspects of oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures, there were many aspects of these topics in which they were deficient and in some cases misinformed.
Conclusions: Dental hygiene curricula should be updated and continuing education coursesabout oral cancer should be developed and implemented.