Prevention of HPV-Related Oral Cancer by Dentists: Assessing the Opinion of Dutch Dental Students
Abstract
The
aim of this study is to assess dental students’ opinions of the
dentists’ role in primary prevention of human papillomavirus
(HPV)-related oral cancer using a cross-sectional web-based survey. A
questionnaire, containing questions about knowledge of HPV and oral
cancer, confidence in head and neck examination and role of the dentist
in preventing HPV-related oral cancer, was sent to all students of the
Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam (n = 912). One hundred and twenty-six (n = 126)
students completed the questionnaire. Significantly, more master
students (75%) than bachelor students (54.3%) were aware that HPV is a
causative factor for oral cancer. Master students had more knowledge of
HPV than bachelor students, but knowledge about HPV vaccination was
irrespective of the study phase. The majority of dental students agreed
that it is important to discuss HPV vaccination with patients.
Eighty-nine percent of the students think that more education about
symptoms of oral cancer will increase screening for oral cancer.
Development of a protocol for screening in dental practices was
considered even more important. According to dental students, dentists
should discuss HPV as a risk factor for oral cancer with patients.
Future dentists are willing to be involved in both primary and secondary
prevention of HPV-related oral cancer. Therefore, screening for oral
cancer and education about HPV vaccination should be integral elements
of the dental curriculum.
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