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Background and aims Many oral squamous cell carcinomas present as late stage disease and so the detection of early and pre-malignancy is considered to be of paramount importance. The majority of research examining primary care dentists' experience of the detection and management of early disease has been undertaken using questionnaires, with the inherent bias this introduces. The aim of this study was to use qualitative methods to develop a richer account of practitioners' views about screening and what factors influence the decision to refer a patient.Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eighteen dentists in Sheffield, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Ten codes were identified according to the aims of the study and organized into four overarching themes.Results Although many dentists were screening regularly, some did not appear to be adopting a rigorous and systematic approach. A number of participants also placed more reliance on 'classical' presentations rather than the more varied presentation of potentially malignant lesions and were more influenced by the clinical history of the lesion rather than risk factors.Conclusion Overall, the present research suggests that for some dentists, more rigour is required when examining for early disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims The diagnosis of early and pre-malignant lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma is of paramount importance given the mortality rate of late stage disease. Although studies have been undertaken examining how dentists manage and refer potentially malignant lesions, the majority of the research has used questionnaires, with the inherent bias this introduces. The aim of this study was to use qualitative methods to understand in more detail how practitioners manage potentially malignant lesions once they have been discovered.Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eighteen dentists in Sheffield, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.Results Five codes were identified relating to the mechanics of the referral, the management of the lesion and the patient's risk factors. Health promotional activities were not being undertaken by all the participants and for some, explaining positive results and giving advice about alcohol was perceived as particularly difficult.Conclusion Overall, the present research suggests that further training is required to help dentists broach difficult issues with their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]