Oral Cancer and HPV: An Exploration of Oral Health Providers' Perceived Roles, Attitudes, and Communication Behaviors

Introduction: Recent biomedical research has established the link between a subset of oral cancers (OC) and the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can also cause cervical cancer and anogenital cancers. Findings from a qualitative study with oral health providers (OHP) examining knowledge about the HPV/OC link and perceived roles regarding HPV-related OC prevention behaviors are presented. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted in February 2009 with dentists (n=3 groups, 17 participants) and dental hygienists (n=2 groups, 21 participants) in Florida to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perceived roles regarding primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related OC. Results: Emerged themes include: (a) low knowledge of HPV-related OC; (b) dissonance among dentists and dental hygienists regarding perceived role in HPV-related OC prevention behaviors; and, (c) low capacity to deliver HPV-related OC prevention behaviors. Participants acknowledged the importance of universal screening for OC and patient communication regarding the HPV-related OC link. However, the majority reported low consistency in prevention behaviors, citing low knowledge, skill, self-efficacy, time constraints, and lack of professional guidelines. Many discussed the disciplinary divisions between dentistry and medicine and the need within dentistry to better address the oral-systemic link, particularly in light of emerging science. Conclusion: Findings suggest a need to develop a bridge between medical and dental research and practice towards an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the oral-systemic health link. Continuing professional education is critically needed to address discomfort and confusion among OHP concerning their role in discussing HPV infection and the HPV vaccines with patients.