A Cohort Study Exploring HPV Vaccination Beliefs Among Oral Health Providers: Broadening the Scope of Education and Administration

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There is potential utility and increasing interest in engaging professionals in non-traditional vaccination settings to participate in efforts to reduce human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer. This study assessed the impact of a multi-disciplinary HPV educational intervention on oral health care professionals’ perceived role, comfort level, and scope of practice in HPV-related cancer prevention efforts. Methods: The virtual educational intervention was provided by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts. Seventy-three oral health care professionals attended the educational intervention and completed a questionnaire at three time points (pre-session, immediate post-session, and at the 1-month follow-up). Data were analyzed using Friedman’s ANOVA and post-hoc analyses. Results: Respondent’s median belief that it is the role of an oral health professional to recommend the HPV vaccine increased from pre-session (Median = 3.0, IQR = 3.0–4.0) to immediate post-session (median = 4.5, IQR = 4.0–5.0), and this increase was maintained 1 month after the session (median = 4.0, IQR = 4.0–4.5; p < 0.001). Additionally, respondent’s belief that they were up-to-date on the latest guidelines for HPV vaccination also increased from pre-session to immediate post-session (p < 0.05), and this increase was maintained 1 month after the session (pre-session median = 2.0, IQR = 2.0–3.0 vs. 1-month post-session median = 4.0, IQR = 4.0–5.0; p < 0.005). Conclusions: The multi-disciplinary HPV educational intervention was well-received by oral health professionals. Data suggest the intervention had a lasting impact on their beliefs about their role, comfort level, and scope of practice relating to HPV cancer prevention. More research needs to be conducted to better understand how obstetrician-gynecologists, other obstetric care providers, and oral health communities can support each other in promoting HPV-related cancer prevention.