Work

Can oral and maxillofacial education improve general medical practitioners’ knowledge? A Systematic review of educational interventions in oral cancer and oral pathology

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: ABSTRACT Oral cancer remains a public health concern. Reduced access to NHS dental services has resulted in increased presentation of oral cancer and related pathologies to general medical practitioners. Nonetheless, undergraduate and postgraduate medical training in oral health remains limited. The review evaluates the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at improving knowledge and diagnostic competence in oral cancer recognition among medical practitioners. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Medline was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria include studies which assessed educational interventions designed to improve knowledge in oral health among medical professionals. A narrative synthesis was performed due to the heterogeneity of studies. A total of eight studies was included. A mixture of teaching modalities, short, targeted interventions demonstrated effective change in raising oral cancer awareness and oral health knowledge in the short term only. Except, e-learning alone fails to significantly improve knowledge. Limited emphasis was placed on practical skills, particularly head and neck examinations. Only participants in one study would be confident to conduct head and neck examinations. Our systematic review demonstrated a clear need for improved integration of oral health education within medical training. Collaboration between British Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Association, medical schools and postgraduate deaneries is essential to strengthen both undergraduate and general practitioner training.

Source: Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

DOI: 10.1016/j.adoms.2026.100718

Authors: Chiew Ying Chieng, Anna Davies, Anna Sayan

Institutions: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Language: English

Topic: Innovations in Medical Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,650