Awareness Survey on Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) among Practicing Dentists

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the common oral precancerous conditions among population of Maharashtra. Knowledge of initial clinical features, staging system and treatment modalities plays an important role in management. Scant awareness about these factors is creating a dilemma to the clinicians. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the awareness among dental students about the significance of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and its management. Methodology: The questionnaire based study was conducted among 78 participants. A self - administered questionnaire was used. The questionnaire based study was conducted through an online forum, google form software. The questions were formed to observe knowledge, attitude, and practical approach of dental practisers towards treating OSMF patients attending private dental hospitals. The data collected were stored and results were analysed by SPSS software. Out of 78 participants, majority of participants were aware that betel quid were the most common habits and blanching mucosa were the common features associated with OSMF. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, students and practicing dentists showed good knowledge on the various clinical and diagnosis aspects of Oral submucous fibrosis, however the knowledge on the management aspect of oral submucous fibrosis was moderate. A better knowledge of OSMF will endure safer health care services for the population.