Aim: To analyze the awareness of early detection of premalignant lesions and oral cancer among the general population in Hyderabad using the knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study used a 34-item questionnaire designed based on previous literature, with a pilot study conducted among 30 participants in a private dental hospital. The questionnaire comprised 11 questions related to demographic details and symptoms, nine questions were included under the knowledge section, eight under attitude, and six under practice. Data were collected from approximately 419 patients using snowball sampling, and the findings were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24.0. Results: A study of 419 participants found that 91% had no alcohol history, no smoking, and no dental problems. Around 33.6% were aware of its causes, and 62.1% were aware of regular dental checkups for early detection. Only 36% had good knowledge of habitual risk factors and early detection of oral premalignancies and oral cancer, while 80.5% had a good attitude and willingness toward awareness programs. Around 45% had good practice related to oral health screening. Conclusion: The study found that a major proportion had poor knowledge about the effects of tobacco and alcohol consumption and poor practices related to oral health checkups and regular mouth self-examination. Poor attitudes toward oral health screening for early detection of cancer have been noted, and these negative attitudes can hinder timely diagnosis. Clinical significance: Focusing on targeted awareness campaigns and educational interventions is the need of the hour for early detection of oral cancer, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients. Negative attitudes delay the early diagnosis and affect the prognosis of the lesions negatively. Promoting positive attitudes toward early detection and encouraging regular dental visits and self-examinations is very important. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and nongovernmental organizations is crucial in designing effective campaigns.