ONCOllab for Transmission of Knowledge Related to Oral Complications of Cancer Therapy Among Dental Students.

Abstract

Introduction: ONCOllab is a social media application developed by FDI to improve the management of oral complications that may arise during cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ONCOllab on learning and perception among dental students.

Material and method: A theoretical test on oral complications of cancer therapy to determine baseline level knowledge was given to fourth-year dental students. Students were randomly divided into two groups. All students attended a lecture-based theoretical education on oral complications of cancer therapy. After the lecture, students were randomised into Group 1 (no further education) or Group 2 (presentation about ONCOllab with subsequent utilisation). One week later, a second test was applied to assess knowledge levels. The students' overall perception and satisfaction levels in Group 2 were also evaluated.

Results: The study included 59 participants [female, 35 (59%)]. The results of the first evaluation test found similar baseline knowledge between the groups (p > 0.05). The second test's results were significantly higher in both groups (p < 0.05). However, students in the ONCOllab group (Group 2) showed a significantly higher level of knowledge than Group 1 for the second test scores (p = 0.001). All of the participants in the ONCOllab group found the application beneficial for education and reported that they would like to use it in the post-graduation period.

Conclusion: Both theoretical and ONCOllab-supported theoretical approaches significantly improved knowledge of oral complications of cancer therapy. However, in addition to educational superiority, ONCOllab-supported theoretical education was found to be associated with satisfactory results in terms of student perception.