Affiliation:
1. Department of Orthodontics University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
2. Private Practice Blue Bell Pennsylvania USA
3. Department of Orthodontics Harvard School of Dental Medicine Boston Massachusetts USA
4. Department of Oral Medicine University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with 70% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is the infectious cause of a global pandemic that killed millions worldwide. Effective vaccinations exist against both diseases, but patient acceptance remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess patients' attitudes toward oral healthcare providers' (OHCPs) roles in HPV and COVID‐19 vaccinations.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of young adult patients was distributed in Philadelphia, PA, between April and June 2021. The survey assessed knowledge and attitudes around OHCPs serving various roles in COVID‐19 and HPV vaccination.ResultsNearly 70% of 163 respondents would accept the recommendation for a COVID‐19 vaccine from an OHCP, while 56% would for HPV. Those previously vaccinated against COVID‐19 were more comfortable discussing COVID‐19 vaccines (92%, p < .001) or HPV vaccines (76%, p < .001) with OHCPs compared to those who were unvaccinated against COVID‐19. African American/Black patients were less comfortable discussing vaccines, irrespective of vaccination status.ConclusionsOHCP can play a vital role in increasing the overall COVID‐19 and HPV vaccination status of the public, as demonstrated by the high acceptance of dental involvement in both vaccine campaigns. Racial disparity in vaccination attitude is a public health challenge that needs to be addressed.
Reference35 articles.
1. American Dental Association. (2022).COVID‐19 vaccine regulations for dentists map. American Dental Association.https://www.ada.org/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-regulations-for-dentists-map
2. Geographic heterogeneity in the prevalence of human papillomavirus in head and neck cancer
3. The Role of the Dental Community in Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevention Through HPV Vaccine Advocacy
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021a).COVID‐19 vaccine emergency use authorization (EUA) fact sheets for recipients and caregivers. US Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/eua/index.html
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021b).How many cancers are linked with HPV each year?US Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cases.htm