Utilization of a dental clinic to provide the HPV vaccine in a cohort of young men aged 18 to 26 years

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that HPV infection is the primary cause of a distinct form of oral cancer whose incidence is increasing among men in the United States with a history of sexual contact, especially oral sexual contact. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV-related infections and cancers. Studies show that men, especially young men aged 18-26 years, irregularly see a health care profession for routine care, even when they have medical insurance, but will regularly see a dentist or dental hygienist for preventive dental care. Because of the underutilization of routine care by young men, they may be uninformed about HPV in general and specifically oral HPV-related diseases that can be life altering. Dentists and dental hygienists can intervene to provide information to this cohort about HPV-related infections, assess/detect oral signs/symptoms of oral cancer, and encourage young men to get the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, a dental practice can serve as an alternative site to obtain the HPV vaccine to reduce the burden of HPV related infections and cancers, especially for this cohort of men who do not regularly access primary health care. Methodology: Men aged 18-26 years that have scheduled dental appointments at a dental clinic in Central Kentucky, were eligible for this study. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young men about HPV, HPV-related oral infections, HPV vaccination and accessibility, as well as to investigate the convenience of obtaining the vaccine at a dental clinic.