口腔癌是全球范围内一个重要的公共卫生问题。早期检测和预防对于降低与该疾病相关的发病率和死亡率至关重要。作为未来的牙医专业人员，牙科本科生在促进口腔健康和发现潜在的口腔癌病例方面起着重要作用。本研究旨在评估马来西亚牙科本科生口腔癌意识、知识、态度和实践水平。共有来自公立和私立大学的595名三、四和五年级学生参与了研究。结果显示，与公立大学的牙科本科生相比（p < 0.05），私立大学的牙科本科生对口腔癌有更高的意识和满意的知识水平。此外，有59.4%的受访者在常规牙科实践中对口腔癌的诊断感到缺乏信心，96.1%的受访者同意提高公众对口腔健康的意识的必要性。有趣的是，私立大学的学生在口腔癌意识和知识方面比公立大学的学生水平更高。为了增强口腔癌的检测和预防，有必要加强当前的课程并提供培训，以提高每位牙科本科生的诊断技能。这将确保他们具备必要的知识和能力来有效地检测和预防口腔癌。© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd.，Springer Nature 的一部分。

Oral cancer is a significant public health concern worldwide. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. As future dental professionals, dental undergraduates play a vital role in promoting oral health and identifying potential oral cancer cases.This study aimed to evaluate the level of oral cancer awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dental undergraduates in Malaysia. A total of 595 students from years 3, 4, and 5 in both public and private universities participated.The results showed that a higher percentage of dental undergraduates from private universities were aware of oral cancer and had satisfactory knowledge compared to those from public universities (p < 0.05). Moreover, 59.4% of respondents felt less confident in diagnosing oral cancer during routine dental practice, and 96.1% agreed on the need to increase public awareness of oral health. Interestingly, students from private universities exhibited higher levels of awareness and knowledge regarding oral cancer than those from public universities.To enhance oral cancer detection and prevention, it is essential to reinforce the current curriculum and provide training to improve diagnostic skills for every dental undergraduate. This will ensure that they are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and competence to detect and prevent oral cancer effectively.© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.