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

Abstract

Objectives In Arizona, human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cancers are declining, with the exception of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV‐related OPC is largely caused by persistent infection with oncogenic HPV strains, many of which the 9‐valent HPV vaccine offers protection. Little is known about dental professionals' willingness to promote the HPV vaccine to prevent OPC. The current study assessed Arizona dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes, willingness, and current practice behaviors related to HPV vaccine promotion. Responses between dentists and hygienists were also compared. Methods A convenience sample of 711 dentists and hygienists attending a regional conference were recruited and asked to complete a 34‐item survey assessing knowledge and attitudes about HPV, the HPV vaccine, HPV‐related OPC, and their willingness to promote and administer the HPV vaccine. Fisher's exact tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. Results Most respondents answered HPV knowledge questions correctly but did not know HPV‐related OPC has a more favorable prognosis than other head and neck cancers. Dentists were more confident discussing and recommending the HPV vaccine. Both dentists and hygienists were willing to refer patients to their non‐dental primary care providers for vaccination; however, they were less confident in administering the vaccine if it fell within their scope of practice. They reported willingness to receive training to recommend the vaccine. Conclusions Given the willingness of respondents to receive training related to HPV vaccine communication, future research should develop and test talking points and communication training to aid dentists and hygienists in their promotion of the HPV vaccine.

Evaluation of knowledge and awareness of dentists and dental students about human papillomavirus vaccination and oropharyngeal cancer relationship

“…On the other hand, the rate of participants indicating that HPV will recover spontaneously was found to be extremely low in the present study. This result is also compatible with the results of Patel et al (10). Regarding the question about HPV's absence of obvious signs, the majority of dentists in Patel et al's study (10) responded correctly, but in our study, the correct response rate was lower for both dentists and students.…”

“…Dentists have an important role in OPC screening, diagnosis, awareness, and patient education. Although the general risk factors of cancers in the oral region are well known, information about the role of viruses in oral cancer risk is unclear (10). The relationship between HPV and OPC has been revealed recently (3,9,10,13).…”

“…HPV vaccination not only reduces the incidence of cervical and anal cancer but also reduces the incidence of HPV-related OPC (9). Knowing the importance of HPV vaccination and directing patients to vaccination is important for the prevention of HPV-related OPCs (10). Although the HPV vaccine is included in the vaccination schedule in developed countries, it is not included in the routine vaccination schedule in many countries, including Turkey (11).…”

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Knowledge, Awareness and Acceptance among Dental Students and Post-Graduate Dental Residents

“…The few previous studies that evaluated the awareness, knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among dental students and post-graduate residents found deficiencies in both knowledge and awareness [15][16][17][18]. This study evaluated both dental student and post-graduate resident awareness, knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination during a curricular module devoted to immunization practices and HPV-specific vaccination and found noteworthy similarities and differences.…”

“…Although a few studies have evaluated knowledge or awareness of HPV vaccination among practicing dentists or dental educators, it is unclear whether this information receives sufficient emphasis in dental education to mold student views on vaccination that lead to their implementation by students when they enter dental practice. Few studies have evaluated the awareness, knowledge and acceptance of HPV vaccination among dental students and post-graduate residents [15,16]. The few studies to date that have evaluated dental students specifically, have found deficiencies in both knowledge and awareness that may be addressed through changes to the dental curriculum [17,18].…”