Dentists and HPV Prevention: Understanding how Dental Health Providers can help reduce HPV related Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

This project involves the research into understanding how dental health providers may play a role in facilitating HPV vaccination uptake for under-vaccinated populations. This study's objective is to develop and assess the feasibility of a model for collaborative and effective HPV prevention strategies between dental practices (CSLCs) and co-located health clinics (FQHCs). Specifically, the part of the study I worked on sought to understand patient perspectives about engaging in HPV prevention with their dental provider. A 31-item quantitative survey was developed to understand patients’ perspective in terms of dental health providers’ role in HPV prevention and their trust in dental providers as a valid source of HPV prevention information. Survey items included questions pertaining to HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, demographics, family and personal HPV vaccine status, opinions regarding the qualification of dental providers educating patients on the vaccine, as well as patients’ comfort levels and willingness to receive more information about vaccination from dental providers. When asked if they had received an HPV vaccine, 65% of participants answered no, while 11% were unsure if they had or had not been administered a vaccine. Over half, 53% reported they were not sure if HPV had the potential to cause head and neck cancer. 83% of patients said they would feel at least somewhat comfortable discussing the HPV vaccine with their dentist. Out of the participants that had children, 65% expressed they would be at least somewhat comfortable with a dentist talking to their child bout the HPV vaccine. 53% stated they would be open to their dental office providing them with a referral to a physician to get an HPV vaccine. These results, along with a multitude of other findings, strongly suggest a need for educating patients on the HPV vaccine, as well as an inclination among patients to seek guidance for themselves or their family members regarding vaccination.