Background: Oral cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and constitutes a significant health burden in Iran. Patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy often experience severe oral complications, making dental management crucial. This study aimed to assess the baseline knowledge and attitudes of general dentists in Shiraz toward the dental management of such patients and to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention.

Methods: This interventional study was conducted in 2023 among 100 general dentists in Shiraz, Iran, using a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire. The instrument included demographic information, 14 knowledge questions, and 5 attitude questions regarding the management of oral complications related to cancer therapy. After the initial assessment, a multimedia educational program was provided. One month later, 91 dentists completed the post-intervention survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 25) with descriptive statistics, repeated-measures tests, and Pearson correlation at a significance level of α < 0.05.

Results: The mean knowledge score of participants increased significantly from 47.6% before the intervention to 67.3% after (p < 0.001). Attitude scores also improved significantly following the intervention (p < 0.001). No significant associations were observed between knowledge/attitude and gender, workplace, or years of professional experience (p > 0.05). However, dentists who had participated in continuing education within the past year demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores (p = 0.02).

ghlighting the necessity of incorporating targeted training into continuing dental education programs.