Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cancer worldwide. In the USA, the UK and several European countries, HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has overtaken cervical cancer as the leading HPV-associated cancer. Yet oral health services remain largely absent from national HPV prevention strategies.
A new FDI white paper, Integrating oral health professionals into HPV prevention, examines the growing burden of HPV-associated OPSCC and sets out practical recommendations for oral health professionals, policymakers and health systems.
Through regular contact with patients, the dental team can help provide trusted information, address misinformation, support vaccination efforts and identify suspicious findings that may require further assessment.
The white paper draws on findings from the FDI Vision 2030 mid-term survey, which found that while 80.3 per cent of responding countries have an HPV prevention policy, only 12.9 per cent reported that oral health services were integrated into their HPV prevention programs.
This represents a significant missed opportunity. Dentists and the wider oral health professional team have regular contact with children, adolescents, young adults and families, including many of the people who may benefit from HPV vaccination.
Evidence also shows that healthcare provider recommendations are a key driver of HPV vaccine uptake. However, a lack of confidence, uncertainty about scope of practice and discomfort discussing HPV-related topics continue to limit the involvement of oral health professionals.
At the same time, patients and parents appear broadly receptive to receiving HPV-related information from oral health professionals.
The white paper emphasises that effective communication is central to HPV prevention. Because HPV is often associated with sexual transmission, conversations can be affected by stigma, misinformation and misconceptions about vaccination.
“Normalising conversations about HPV can help reduce stigma and support informed decision-making about vaccination and follow-up,” the paper states.
Targeted education and practical communication tools can help build the confidence of oral health professionals and support consistent, evidence-based messaging across the health system.
The publication is intended to complement, not replace, existing clinical guidance.
