Knowledge and Awareness about Food Carcinogens among Dental Students

Abstract

The risk of developing cancer from carcinogens occurring in food is of widespread interest to scientific researchers, food policymakers, and food surveillance institutions, as well as to the general public. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of food carcinogens among dental students. A structured self-assessed online questionnaire having 15 questions on food carcinogens was prepared and distributed to the dental students who have clinical exposure including 3rd BDS, final BDS, interns, and postgraduates of all specialties. It was circulated using online software, a survey planet, and the response was collected through it. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Considering the responses, it can be interpreted that the knowledge regarding food carcinogens is above average among dental students. Also, postgraduate students were more knowledgeable than undergraduate students. Interns showed more awareness than third-year or final year undergraduate students. Educational workshops, conferences, and CDE’s are essential for both undergraduates and postgraduates to improve their knowledge regarding various carcinogenic properties of different food items.