Knowledge, attitude and practice on management of oral submucous fibrosis among general dentists-survey

Abstract

It is a precancerous condition, progressive fibrosis leads to rigidity and causing inability to open the mouth. There are various treatments involved, dexamethasone hyaluronidase, mouth opening exercises, etc. To evaluate the awareness, knowledge on Oral Submucous Fibrosis management among general dentists for betterment of treatment. In this cross-sectional study 112 dentists filled out self-administered questionnaires assessing dentist’s awareness on the management of OSMF. More than 50% of the patients understand the basic treatment for OSMF, and less than 50% of patients had lack of knowledge in the combination treatment involved for OSMF and advanced treatment options of OSMF. In this study, 84% of the population had the knowledge on the basic treatment modalities to cure and prevent further spread for OSMF, among which 73% answered discontinuation of the habit. 92% of the dentists had general knowledge on the basic diagnosis of OSMF, such as; mouth opening. When asked about the combination therapy and more advanced treatment options, such as; biogenic stimulators, only 50% of the dentists answered correctly. Overall, most of the dentists had good knowledge on the basic treatment administered to treat and cure OSMF but had lack of knowledge in the combination and more advanced treatments necessary to cure the more advanced stage of OSMF.