The Understanding and Attitudes of Pediatric Dentists Towards HPV Vaccines

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the understanding, attitudes and intentions regarding Human Papillomavirus and HPV vaccinations among pediatric dentists in the United States. Methods: Surveys were mailed to 500 members of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Results: Surveys were returned from 126 Practitioners (~25%). Pediatric dentists’ treating adolescent patients are not more likely to recommend the HPV vaccination (P=0.57). Similarly, taking CE courses on HPV (p=0.417) and oral cancer (p=0.81) does not make them more likely to recommend the HPV vaccination. Pediatric dentists’ level of involvement in providing HPV vaccine will be a function of their self-evaluation of comfort and skill level regarding HPV vaccine, identification with the role of vaccinating and assessment of the vaccine as being beneficial (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pediatric dentists’ level of involvement in providing HPV vaccine will be a function of their self-evaluation of comfort and skill level regarding HPV vaccine, identification with the role of vaccinating and assessment of the vaccine as being beneficial. Knowledge and resources did not play a significant role in predicting level of involvement.