Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in dental students: a cross-sectional study based on clinical oral examination

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) through clinical oral examinations conducted among students at the faculty of dentistry and to determine their prevalence in a young adult population. Methods: This cross-sectional screening study was conducted in 2026 among dental students at the faculty of dentistry. Standardized intraoral examinations were performed by two experienced clinicians. Lesions were recorded based on clinical criteria, and lesions clinically suspicious for oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) were documented separately and referred for further evaluation when indicated.Results: Among a total of 750 participants, 6.0% (n=45) were found to have at least one OML. The most frequently observed lesions were linea alba (2.13%; n=16) and traumatic fibroma (1.6%; n=12). No clinically evident malignant lesions were identified. However, two lesions clinically suspicious for OPMDs were detected in 0.26% (n=2) of participants and were referred for further diagnostic evaluation. While 86.7% of individuals with detected lesions were aware of their condition, 13.3% (n=6) reported that they had become aware of their lesions for the first time during this screening. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that the prevalence of OMLs in this young adult population was low and that most lesions were benign in appearance. However, the lack of awareness observed even among individuals receiving healthcare education and the identification of a small number of lesions clinically suspicious for OPMDs underscore the importance of routine intraoral screening and increased awareness of oral mucosal examination during dental training.