228113 Dentists' Knowledge, Perceived Roles, Attitudes and Communication Behaviors Regarding Oral Cancer and HPV: Results from a Florida Statewide Survey

Monday, November 8, 2010

Rasheeta Chandler, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ellen Daley, PhD , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Christopher Wheldon, MSPH, MEd , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Rita DeBate, PhD, MPH, CHES , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Virginia J. Dodd, PhD, MPH , Dept. of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Sarah A. Smith, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Karen Dyer, MA, MPH , Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Hannah L. Helmy, MA, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Hollie J. Fuhrmann, MA , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is an emerging risk factor for oral cancer (OC). As public awareness of the HPV-OC link increases, oral health providers (OHP) could play a critical role in addressing this new risk factor with patients. Methods: As part of an exploratory study, a web-based survey was administered to a statewide sample of dentists in Florida (n=225) to assess current knowledge and HPV related OC prevention behaviors. The Transtheoretical Model guided assessment of OHP readiness to engage in prevention-related behaviors concerning HPV-related OC. Results: The majority of participants (97%) were aware of the link between HPV and OC. However, low knowledge scores were observed regarding HPV vaccines. Correspondingly, 84% of dentists were observed in the action stage regarding discussing the oral-systemic link with patients, while only 8% were in the action stage with regard to discussing the HPV vaccines with female patients. No statistically significant differences were observed by gender and years in practice. Conclusion: Increasing readiness among dentists to discuss HPV-related OC and prevention approaches such as the HPV vaccine may require addressing gaps in knowledge, and providing training for improving sensitive patient-provider communication.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe gaps in knowledge among dentists regarding HPV-related oral cancer; 2. Describe current practices among dentists regarding primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related OC with patients; 3. Discuss readiness among dentists to discuss HPV-related oral cancer and the HPV vaccines with patients.

Keywords: Oral Health, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I have played a major role in the development, implementation, and analysis of this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3089.0: Oral-Systemic Disease Linkages