The central finding was that participants had limited knowledge about these cancers and generally reported that dentists did not routinely discuss the topic during visits.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 9 authors, 7 centres
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The central finding was that participants had limited knowledge about these cancers and generally reported that dentists did not routinely discuss the topic during visits.
The study used a grounded theory qualitative approach with three focus groups (N=23) of Black men in Chicago to explore knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with dentists regarding oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC). The mean participant age was 46.13 years. Thematic analysis revealed limited knowledge about OPC, with some participants unaware of it. Participants generally did not recall dentists discussing OPCs during visits, leading to questions about the role of dentistry in cancer prevention. It highlights a need for improved patient-centered communication and education.