Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Evaluation of the Effect of Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Attitude of General Dentists in Shiraz Toward the Management of Dental treatment in patients with Oral Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in 2023

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Azita Sadeghzadeh 1
Ahmad Mortezai 2
1 Assistant Professor, Oral Medicine Department, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Undergraduate Student, School Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i843.1735
Abstract
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 knowledge and attitude of general dentists in Shiraz toward the dental management of patients with oral cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 100 general dentists in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic information, 14 knowledge questions, and 5 attitude questions about the management of oral complications related to cancer treatment. After the initial assessment, a multimedia educational program was provided. One month later, 91 dentists completed the post-test questionnaire. Results before and after the intervention were compared.
Findings: Of the 100 general dentists initially enrolled, 91 (91%) completed both phases of the study. Of these, 43 (47.3%) were male and 48 (52.7%) were female. The mean age of participants was 42.2 ± 8.9 years. The mean knowledge score of participants increased from 6.67 ± 1.5 to 9.43 ± 1.3, and the mean attitude score changed from 12.22 ± 2.6 to 11.70 ± 2.7 (P < 0.001). No significant association was found between knowledge and attitude with gender, workplace, or years of professional experience (P > 0.05). Dentists who had participated in continuing education programs during the last year showed significantly higher knowledge scores (P = 0.02).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the educational intervention significantly improved the knowledge and attitude of general dentists.

Highlights

Azita Sadeghzade: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Oral cancer
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Educational intervention
Knowledge
Attitude

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 843
3rd Week, February
January and February 2026
Pages 1735-1741

  • Receive Date 18 February 2026
  • Accept Date 15 April 2026