Lesões benignas, potencialmente malignas e malignas da boca: a capacidade diagnóstica dos cirurgiões-dentistas generalista do munícipio de Juiz de Fora – Minas Gerais

Abstract

Oral cancer is a significant public health problem in Brazil, the country with the highest incidence rate in South America. Despite advances in the Unified Health System (SUS) and the inclusion of oral health teams in Primary Health Care (PHC), obstacles to early diagnosis of the disease persist. The identification of oral lesions, whether benign, potentially malignant, or malignant, is an essential task of the general dentist. However, gaps in professional training, lack of practical training, and the predominance of a curative model compromise the effectiveness of clinical screening. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of dentists in the public health system of Juiz de Fora (MG) in classifying oral lesions, in addition to characterizing their professional profile and analyzing their attitudes toward these lesions, comparing the findings with the international literature. Data collection was performed using a virtual questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, questions about clinical practices and professional self-perception, in addition to the analysis of 20 cases illustrated by clinical photographs. Thirty-two dentists participated, mostly female (81.3%) and with more than 20 years of experience (71.9%). Most graduated from public institutions (90.6%) and had specialization (90.6%). The sensitivity and specificity rates were 59.4% and 92.6% for malignant lesions, and 56.3% and 75% for potentially malignant lesions, respectively. In the grouping of lesions (malignant and potentially malignant versus benign), sensitivity was 72.7% and specificity was 77.2%. Low adherence to screening practices and limited self-perception of diagnostic ability were also observed. The data point to weaknesses in the training and clinical practice of these professionals, highlighting the need for investment in continuing education and policies to strengthen prevention and early diagnosis actions in the SUS