Human Papillomavirus: A Narrative Review for Dental Providers in Prevention and Care - dental provider action

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is framed as a major public health threat linked to multiple cancers, with emphasis on the rising burden of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Despite available vaccines targeting high-risk HPV types, vaccine uptake remains below goals, leaving prevention opportunities underused. A 2006–2024 narrative review synthesizes epidemiology, pathophysiology, vaccine performance, and the role of dental providers, identifying practical care barriers and communication-, training-, and diagnostics-oriented strategies to strengthen education, vaccination advocacy, and early lesion detection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

1. Introduction

HPV epidemiology and cancer links

Dental role in prevention and screening

Review Human Papillomavirus: A Narrative Review for Dental Providers in Prevention and Care Martin S. Lipsky 1,2, Geo Wolfe 3, Brisa A. Radilla 3 and Man Hung 2,4,5,6, * Academic Editor: Razia Abdool GafaarG. Khammissa Received: 15 January 2025 Revised: 5 March 2025 Accepted: 12 March 2025 Published: 17 March 2025 Citation: Lipsky, M.S.; Wolfe, G.; Radilla, B.A.; Hung, M. Human Papillomavirus: A Narrative Review for Dental Providers in Prevention and Care. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22, 439. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/ijerph22030439](10.3390/ijerph22030439) Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://creativecommons.org/](https://creativecommons.org/)[ ](https://creativecommons.org/)[licenses/by/4.0/](licenses/by/4.0/)) . 1 Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA 2 College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Summerlin, NV 89135, USA 3 Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA 4 Division of Public Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA 5 Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA 6 Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA * [Correspondence: mhung@roseman.edu](Correspondence: mhung@roseman.edu); Tel.: +1-801-878-1270 Abstract: (1) Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern associated with various cancers, including a rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Despite the availability of effective vaccines targeting high-risk HPV types, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to contribute to HPV prevention through education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection. (2) Methods: This narrative review synthesized the literature from 2006 to 2024 on HPV epidemiology, pathophysiology, vaccine efficacy, and the role of dental providers in HPV prevention. Sources included peer-reviewed articles listed in Pubmed and Google Scholar, including observational studies and review articles, guidelines, clinical trials, and governmental data. Key barriers to HPV-related care in dental practice and strategies for overcoming them were analyzed. (3) Results: The review underscores the critical role of dentists in HPV-related disease prevention, highlighting their ability to detect HPV-related lesions, promote vaccine uptake, and address patient concerns. Barriers such as limited knowledge, discomfort discussing HPV, and misinformation were identified. Strategies like incorporating HPV education into dental training, utilizing emerging diagnostic tools, and adopting effective communication approaches can enhance the role of dental professionalsin reducing HPV-associated cancer risks. (4) Conclusion: By integrating HPV education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection into routine dental care, dental professionals can play a transformative role in public health. A dental provider’s endorsement can increase HPV vaccine uptake and help prevent oral cancer. These efforts align with broader health promotion goals, offering a significant opportunity to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers and improve long-term patient outcomes. Keywords: HPV prevention; oropharyngeal cancer; dental professionals; vaccination advocacy; early detection 1. Introduction HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States (U.S.) and worldwide [1,2] . Over 42.5 million Americans are infected with HPV [2], and each year, at least 13 million acquire new infections [3] . The prevalence of HPV in women without cervical abnormalities is 11–12%, with higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa (24%), Eastern Europe (21%), and Latin America (16%), while an estimated one in three

FAQs

Why is HPV considered a significant public health concern in this review?

HPV is described as a common STI associated with several cancers, including an increasing incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). The review links global and U.S. cancer burdens to HPV-related disease.

How do dental providers contribute to HPV prevention according to the article?

Dental professionals can help through education, promoting HPV vaccination, and early detection by recognizing HPV-related lesions. The review highlights their unique position to influence patient decisions and address concerns.

What barriers to HPV-related care are identified in dental practice?

The review identifies limited knowledge, discomfort discussing HPV, and misinformation as key barriers. It also proposes strategies to overcome these issues through training, communication approaches, and emerging diagnostic tools.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan