Human Papilloma Virus Vaccinations: Primary Prevention by Dentists

Matthew Sun, BSc; Thomas P. Sollecito, DMD; and Eric T. Stoopler, DMD

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and the HPV vaccination prevents HPV infections associated with oropharyngeal, genital, and rectal cancers. Physicians and dentists recommend HPV vaccines during adolescence to promote public health, and the US Food and Drug Administration recently expanded use of Gardasil 9 (Merck) up to age 45. Although HPV immunization rates have increased, only 51% of adolescents have completed the vaccine series, which is 30% to 40% lower than similar multidose immunizations.

Considering the 80% lifetime exposure risk to HPV and significant morbidity of HPV-associated cancers, dentists can play a major role in primary prevention against HPV-associated cancers to help reduce national disease burden. Concern exists that administration of HPV vaccinations by dentists exceeds the scope of dental practice, is unfeasible within the current healthcare system, and may not fully address the low HPV immunization rates. Let's examine these assumptions and explore rationales for this approach to address the public health problem...

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