Orthodontists’ Perception of Their Role in HPV Prevention

Hypothesis and Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a descriptive and exploratory analysis of orthodontists’ attitudes regarding their role in HPV prevention, including patient education and vaccine administration. We hypothesized that orthodontists and their practice characteristics are associated with their attitudes towards HPV vaccine administration. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered to orthodontists in the United States via the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Partners in Research Program. The questionnaire captured information regarding subjects’ practice characteristics, comfort level with various forms of HPV prevention, and perceived facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination administration by orthodontists. Descriptive statistics and distribution of frequency values were calculated. Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to access the relationship between predictive and outcome variables. Results: 100 respondents completed and returned the survey. 86.6% of respondents indicated multiple concerns providing the HPV vaccine in their office, including: storage of the vaccine (72.2%), managing side effects of the vaccine (71.1%), and reporting vaccination/documentation of vaccinations (63.9%). Only 13.4% of respondents reported being comfortable administering the vaccine. A majority of respondents reported that a continuing education course would make them more comfortable administering the vaccine (49.4%). Conclusions: A majority of orthodontists do not feel comfortable with HPV prevention through education or vaccine administration. The identified barriers and facilitators emphasize the need for increased resources on HPV and HPV vaccination available to orthodontists.