Method to Improve Confidence and Knowledge in Oral Cancer Examination

Objectives: Dental students frequently lack confidence and knowledge in head and neck examinations (HNE). The objective was to determine the effectiveness of an interactive method for teaching HNE to dental student participants. Methods: Participants at the University of Florida College of Dentistry received their routine instruction on HNE in their sophomore year. Subsequently, thirty sophomore participants attended an additional session on HNE. Participants were given a multiple choice pretest to assess current level of knowledge in HN anatomy, pathology, biopsy and general oral cancer and of their confidence in HNE. Participants were then given a video and handouts on the proper HNE technique, common HN normal and pathologic findings, and referral guidelines for biopsy. The participants were instructed to review the material prior to the clinical HNE session. The session consisted of an interactive faculty demonstration follow by practice. Assessment consisted of a clinical psychomotor posttest and written posttest. Total number of correct answers was used as a summary score. Results: The pretest mean score of 73.5 (s.d. 6.6) increased to 87.4 (s.d. 5.5) at posttest, yielding a mean change of 13.9 (s.d. 7.9) (p<0.0001). Participants' confidence level increased for all students (p=0.0004) and their improvement in knowledge in topics relating to HNE was significant (p<.05) in all areas. Improvement was dependent on time spent reviewing the material (p=0.0212), with those spending no time (n=6) improving an average of 7.8, 30 minutes or less (n=18) improving an average of 13.9, and 30 to 60 minutes (n=6) improving an average of 20.0. Twenty four students (57%) perceived that the faculty interaction was most helpful to their instruction. Conclusions: Dental schools should consider supplementing HNE education with interactive and video training to improve students' confidence and performance in HNE. (NIDCR U54DE019261)