Original Article

Year : 2020 | Volume : 5 | Issue : 2 | Page : 21 - 5

Attitudes of General Dental Practitioners toward Biopsy Procedures – A Survey

S. Aishwariya

Private Practitioner, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Aishwariya S,

Private Practitioner, Tamil Nadu, India.

E-mail: aishu92bds@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction:

Biopsies are one among the diagnostic procedures in the detection of malignancy but are not conventionally performed in dental practice due to the fear of medicolegal complications, unfamiliarity with the technique, and the misconception of it being a predominantly specialist procedure. This survey was therefore aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general dental practitioners (GDPs) toward biopsy procedures.

Materials and Methods:

A self-designed questionnaire was administered to 50 dentists comprising private practitioners and dental surgeons working in public and private institutions. The first part of the questionnaire included the demographic details of the dental practitioner, while the second part explored the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral tissue biopsies.

Results:

All GDPs (100%) believed that it was important to perform biopsies for the diagnosis of oral lesions. Eight-two per cent maintained that it should be done for all premalignant, malignant, and cystic lesions, while 18% suggested that it should be performed only in premalignant and malignant lesions, Twenty‐six performed the biopsy on their own. Regarding the knowledge of various biopsy methods, 78% were aware of all biopsy techniques. Reasons quoted for not performing biopsy were the lack of experience (38%), lack of confidence (12%), and inadequate patient cooperation (12%). About 96% of dentists felt the need to update their knowledge regarding oral lesions and biopsy procedures with the preferable use of information.

Conclusion:

The GDPs enrolled in this study were adequately aware of oral screening and biopsy procedures but felt reluctant to perform them, which suggests that dental education programs are needed for GDPs in oral precancer/ cancer detection as well as screening and diagnostic procedures.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis, histopathology, oral lesions, tissue specimen

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Aishwariya S. Attitudes of general dental practitioners toward biopsy procedures – A survey. Int J Soc Rehab 2020;5:21-5.