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. 2018 Aug 10;225(3):241-246.
doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.544.

Is detecting oral cancer in general dental practices a realistic expectation? A population-based study using population linked data in Scotland

M Purkayastha  1 , A D McMahon  1 , J Gibson  1 , D I Conway  1
Affiliations
Free article

Is detecting oral cancer in general dental practices a realistic expectation? A population-based study using population linked data in Scotland

M Purkayastha et al. Br Dent J. .
Free article

Abstract

Aims: To examine, for the first time on a population-basis via data linkage, whether early detection by general dental practices (GDP) is a realistic expectation by i) estimating the number of OC cases/year a dentist in Scotland may encounter over time, accounting for the deprivation level of practice location and dental registration/attendance rates, and ii) assessing whether patients attended GDPs two years pre-diagnosis.

Materials and methods: Scottish Cancer Registry data on all OC cases (2010-2012), published NHS Scotland dental workforce and registration/participation statistics, and individual patient data linked with NHS dental service activity were analysed.

Results: Dentists were estimated to potentially encounter one case of OC every 10 years, OCC every 16.7 years, and OPC every 25 years. However, 53.7% of OC patients had made no dental contact two years pre-diagnosis.

Conclusion: Strategies for early detection must consider the rarity of OC incidence and poor dental attendance patterns. These results highlight the importance of improving access and uptake of dental services among those at highest risk to increase the opportunities for early detection.

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