Maxillofacial Surgeons Perception of Frequency Need for Fellowship Programs for Advanced Oral Cancer in Saudi Arabia

Oral cancer ranks 16th worldwide. Saudi Arabia's OC rate is rising. This shows the need for oral cancer specialists. Oral and maxillofacial surgery residents cannot participate in head and neck surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs. No study has examined the attitude of maxillofacial surgeons, who usually are the first to encounter oral cancer, on the need for fellowship training programs in this field and that is the purpose of this study. An anonymous web-based survey was conducted, consisting of 7 questions to evaluate the current perception among practitioners on the frequency of advanced oral cancer cases, the need for a specialized training program, and the interest of these practitioners in enrolling in such a program. The survey was distributed to OMFS practitioners in different regions of Saudi Arabia. 78 practitioners completed the survey, most of whom were consultants, 49.4%. When the practitioners commented on the statement of frequently encountering oral cancer at an advanced stage due to delay in diagnosis or treatment, 43.6% strongly agreed, and 41% agreed. An overwhelming majority of practitioners believed that there is a need for oral cancer fellowship programs in Saudi Arabia, 97.4% and 61.5% of them expressed interest in applying for such a fellowship. Several Saudi Arabian institutions lack professionals skilled in advanced oral cancer surgery, and no fellowship programs in oral and maxillofacial surgery exist. OMFS practitioners are eager for fellowship training, particularly in surgical oncology.