Globally, epidemiological studies have shown a higher risk of malignant melanoma. To properly counsel their patients, dental students must be well-versed in the latest facts on malignant melanoma. This study aimed to assess the understanding and awareness of third, fourth, and fifth-grade students about malignant melanoma. A questionnaire with 11 questions was administered to 229 students (93 in the third grade, 64 in the fourth grade, and 72 in the fifth grade) who were enrolled in Marmara University's Faculty of Dentistry for our study. This survey examined the level of awareness and knowledge of the students. There were 154 (67.25%) female students and 75 (32.75%) male students in the research. There was a statistically significant difference between the scores regarding the percentage of students who responded to the statement “Oral melanomas are more aggressive than skin involvement” (P = 0.000). The participation rate of third-grade students (30.11%) was much lower than that of fourth and fifth-grade students (45.31% and 48.61%; P1 = 0.004 and P2 = 0.000). There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of students who responded to the statement “Oral melanoma lesions are usually asymptomatic” across grades (P = 0.000). The participation rate of third-grade students (15.05%) was much lower than that of fourth and fifth-grade students (39.06% and 58.33%, respectively; P1 = 0.002 and P2 = 0.000). The participation rate of fourth-grade students was much lower than that of fifth-grade students (P = 0.033). Providing dental students with the necessary education about malignant melanoma increases their understanding and awareness of this disease.
