HPV and Cancer Prevention Education for Oral Health Providers

Human papillomavirus HPV remains the major cause of oropharyngeal and cervical cancer. Brigham and 92's Hospital BWH and Team Maureen have collaborated to promote educational efforts for dentists and dental hygienists on the connection of HPV and related cancers. Educational materials in the form of a downloadable Toolkit, were developed from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine NLM resources for use by oral health professionals to educate their patients about the connection between HPV and related cancers and to promote HPV vaccination as cancer prevention. Last year's NNLM grant funding for the HPV Education: A Varied Approach Project made it possible for web based development and hosting of the Toolkit along with a successful outreach seminar to 125 providers at a recognized dental conference in Massachusetts Yankee Dental Congress. Oral health providers who attended the seminar at Yankee Dental Congress welcomed the idea of the Toolkits to converse with their patients about HPV vaccination and cancer prevention. Phase II of this project will build upon these efforts by reaching out to a greater number of dental providers in New England and evaluate the use and efficacy of the Toolkits. Brigham and 92's Hospital and Team Maureen will also partner with the Massachusetts Oral HPV/Prevention Taskforce to expand upon the importance of this public health priority.