Attitude of Undergraduate Dental Students to Oral Mucosal Biopsies From Six European Countries

Introduction: Multiple studies have been undertaken to assess level of knowledge on the topic of oral mucosal biopsies from a general dental practitioner perspective, but only limited data is available on undergraduate dental students' perspective. The aim of this study was to assess clinical experience and attitudes towards oral mucosal biopsies in final-year undergraduate dental students. Material and Methods: Online questionnaire was sent to dental students in six European countries (Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom). The questionnaire assessed clinical experience, attitudes to oral biopsy, self-perceived competence, and obstacles for performing a biopsy. Multiple choice questions and 5-point Likert scale were used. Results: Two hundred and ninety-three students (response rate 24% to 88%) participated in the survey. A small proportion of students (54; 21.7%) performed a biopsy during their undergraduate education, mainly in an oral medicine setting. The majority of students did not consider themselves competent in performing a biopsy. The most common listed obstacle for performing a biopsy was lack of clinical experience with oral mucosal lesions. Conclusion: The results suggest there is a need for more practical training in oral biopsy techniques, as well as a need for increased clinical exposure to different oral mucosal pathologies.