Background: Oral and oropharyngeal malignancy such as squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy standing among the ten most common malignancy in the world. India is one of the countries having one of the highest incidences of oral cancer in the world. Personal habits related to tobacco like smoking, chewing guthka, alcohol consumption are the major etiologic factors, although the oral cancer risk may increase with poor oral hygiene, diet, nutritional status, sexual behaviour and genetic factors. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice about exfoliative cytology among dental practitioners in Kanpur city. Materials and Method: A pretested cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among dental practitioners of Kanpur city. Sample size was determined as 100 and the questionnaire containing 10 closed-ended questions were administered to the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Result: On analyzing the questionnaire, it was found that majority of them were aware of biopsy but only 26% knew that exfoliative cytology can be performed in high risk cases as a preliminary screening. 78% knew that it is a non-invasive technique and can detect early carcinogenesis but only 22% of the participants were confident in performing exfoliative cytology in their clinic. Even though most of the dentists came across tobacco users regularlythey did not perform exfoliative cytology in their practice because of lack of information and training regarding the procedure. About 92% of the participants felt that there is a need to update their knowledge regarding potentially malignant disorders and the process regarding exfoliative cytology procedures and other diagnostic aids. Conclusion: This survey identified several deficiencies in the knowledge among the dentists regarding cytology as a diagnostic aid in early oral cancer detection. This emphasises the need formore education and training through CDE and oral cancer detection work shops so as to improve the confidence and ability of the dentists in this regard.

Oral Cancer, Exfoliative Cytology, Knowledge, Diagnostic aids