Oral potentially malignant disorders among dental patients: a pilot study in Jordan.

BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence, types, and risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among a group of Arab Jordanian dental patients, and to evaluate their awareness and attitudes toward early diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1,041 patients attending a University Hospital for dental care were examined for the presence of OPMDs. Histopathological examination was performed on all cases clinically diagnosed and patients were directly interviewed to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes toward early detection and treatment of oral cancer. RESULTS The prevalence of OPMDs overall was 2.8%. Lichen planus/lichenoid lesions were the most common lesions (1.8%) followed by leukoplakias (0.48%), chronic hyperplastic candidiosis (0.38%), and erythroplakia (0.096%). Smoking, alcohol, and age (>40 years) were the main identifiable risk factors. Patients with OPMDs displayed a general lack of awareness and negative attitudes towards early diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS OPMDs among Arab dental patients are relatively uncommon and awareness about oral cancer among Jordanian dental patients is low. Interventions to improve public knowledge about oral cancer and attitudes toward early diagnosis and treatment are urgently indicated.