Dental Student Indiana University School of Dentistry
Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Aparna Chintapalli, BA: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Anubhuti Shukla, BDS, MHA: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To improve preventive care practices against oropharyngeal cancers (OPC) associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the role of dental professionals has evolved to aid in the dissemination of knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and HPV-induced carcinogenesis, and in vaccine administration in some states. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an online learning tool in educating current dental and dental hygiene students about HPV and its implications with OPC.
METHODS: We developed a three-section web-based learning module focused on improving knowledge and comfort levels of dental and dental hygiene students on HPV. Descriptive 24-item pre-survey and 18-item post-survey questionnaires were offered to the participants to assess their change in knowledge about HPV and its relevance to OPC, post intervention.
RESULTS: Despite some knowledge deficits, most study participants had some basic understanding of the topic prior to accessing the modules. There was a definite improvement in the understanding of diseases prevented by HPV vaccines, post intervention. There was also a statistically significant increase in the proportion of respondents who identified OPC (p=0.01), vaginal (0.02), vulvar (0.04), penile (0.01) as associated with HPV. 95% of study participants reported the information provided in the modules were easy to understand, and more than 90% thought the information was valuable.
CONCLUSIONS: Post intervention, there was an increase in understanding of the topic among the participants. With the ever-changing dynamics of this topic, online modules could prove to be very useful for distance learning, continuing education, and curricular enhancement.
Source of Funding: Indiana Immunization Coalition Center for Service & Learning IUPUI
