Abstract:
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine was developed to prevent cervical and other cancers of the reproductive system (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 54.2% of teens were fully vaccinated for HPV in 2019; 56.8% of girls and 53.7% of boys (Jenco, 2020). HPV also plays a major role in oral head and neck cancer. HPV knowledge among providers remains low, educational interventions to improve knowledge and communication appear to be effective (Shuk et al., 2019). Dentist and dental hygienist have the unique opportunity to discuss and recommend the HPV vaccination to patients every six months during regularly scheduled visits. Dental care providers express concern regarding discussion of the topic related to knowledge deficit, reliable sources of information, and comfort of discussing the topic.
