Are dental providers the next line of HPV-related prevention? Providers’ perceived role and needs

Abstract

The rise in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer incidence necessitates novel prevention efforts including multiple provider types. Although dental providers screen for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, little is known about their needs to advance “primordial prevention,” or interventions at the earliest possible stage, to prevent HPV-related cancers. This study assessed dentists' and dental hygienists’ perceived roles and needs regarding HPV-related primordial prevention.We conducted a mixed-method study with data from focus groups with dentists (n= 33) and dental hygienists (n= 48) and surveys from both provider types (n= 203) among providers from a diverse set of practice settings and geographic communities. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis and chi square tests.Participants affirmed dental professionals’ roles in preventing HPV-related cancers and identified needs to overcome barriers to fulfilling prevention objectives. Barriers included: (1) practice environment and patient characteristics, and (2) the sensitive topic of HPV. Further, participants identified needs to improve HPV-related cancer prevention.Findings from this study suggest that dental providers may become the next line of prevention for HPV-related cancers. Dental providers’ professional associations have provided guidance on HPV and oropharyngeal cancers, but our study reveals dental providers’ needs for following professional organizations’ guidance to advance prevention efforts and reduce HPV-related cancer incidence.

Dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors related to human papillomavirus vaccination

“…Most providers are well‐informed about the traditional risk factors involved in oral cavity cancers, but knowledge gaps in OPC risk factors still prevail. Knowledge regarding HPV and HPV‐related OPC has now been well‐studied, and the current study showed similar findings to previous research . However, understanding of dental professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and vaccine administration, as well as towards HPV‐related OPC primary prevention being within the dentist's scope of practice is less known.…”

“…Dentists and dental hygienists answered most of the knowledge questions about HPV and HPV‐related OPC correctly in this survey, and there were no statistically significant differences in HPV knowledge between the two groups of respondents. However, a few, important knowledge gaps were seen, which was consistent with other studies . Dentists and hygienists in the current study were still unclear about the prevalence of HPV, the natural course of HPV infection, the principal site of HPV‐related OPC, and the prognosis of HPV‐related OPC.…”

“…However, they reported not feeling confident about either initiating a conversation or answering patient questions about the HPV vaccine. Therefore, HPV vaccine communication training may increase confidence and self‐efficacy when discussing information about the HPV vaccine with patients …”

“…Studies have also shown the need for improvements in HPV‐related health literacy among oral healthcare providers. Specifically, dentists and dental hygienists have knowledge deficits regarding HPV‐related disease and the HPV vaccine and have reported a lack of confidence in their communication skills regarding OPC prevention …”

“…Specifically, dentists and dental hygienists have knowledge deficits regarding HPVrelated disease and the HPV vaccine and have reported a lack of confidence in their communication skills regarding OPC prevention. [15][16][17][18] Currently, HPV vaccine administration falls outside the scope of the dental profession in most states. Oregon is the exception, having passed legislation in March 2019 (House Bill 2,220) which allows dentists to immunize against the influenza virus, measles, mumps and Rubella, and HPV.…”