228169 Oral Cancer and HPV: An Exploration of Oral Health Providers' Perceived Roles, Attitudes, and Communication Behaviors

Monday, November 8, 2010

Ellen Daley, PhD, MPH , 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
Karen Dyer, MA, MPH , Department of Anthropology, 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
Hannah L. Helmy, MA, MPH , Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Sarah A. Smith, MPH , Center for Transdisciplinary Research on Women's Health, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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.

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 oral health providers’ attitudes and perceived role regarding willingness to: (a) screen for HPV–related oral lesions; (b) discuss HPV as a contributing risk factor for oral cancer; and, (c) discuss the HPV vaccine with their adult patients or parents of minor patients. 2. Discuss barriers among OHP regarding HPV-related oral cancer prevention.

Keywords: Oral Health, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be the presenter 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.