277 - Assessing HPV Education in Pediatric Dental Residency Programs: A Survey of Program Directors

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if pediatric dental residency programs currently include training on human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination counseling in their curriculum and if there are any barriers to incorporating such education in their program.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, a 22-item survey instrument (excluding demographics) was developed by the researchers by adapting and modifying questions from previously tested and validated surveys. A survey through an online platform was created and sent to pediatric dental program directors via email invite, with 2 additional reminders at two-week intervals. Data collection began February 2023 and ended April 2023 (3 months). Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was completed.

Results: The online survey was sent out to 86 pediatric dental program directors, with a 16% response rate (14/86; 2 were undeliverable). Majority of directors reported educating residents on HPV (HPV OOPC), and HPV vaccination counseling via lectures with 92% of respondents agreeing there are benefits to incorporating this education into treatment. Only 57% reported instructing residents to counsel patients, parents or caregivers on HPV vaccination. Of the 57%, residents can offer verbal discussion (100%), PCP/pediatrician referral (43%), and handouts (29%). The most frequently reported barriers were: other competing curricular demands, insufficient time during dental appointment and fear of offending patient/parent/caregiver, little or no reimbursement and insufficient trained attendings (92% of respondents reported not training attendings on HPV counseling).

Conclusion: The results suggest that although majority of pediatric dental residency program directors report teaching residents about HPV, HPV-OOPC and vaccination, more specifically counseling strategies (64%) are less frequently taught, especially when compared to alcohol and tobacco counseling (86%). Considering that OOPC has become the most common HPV-related cancer in the US, with HPV accounting for 70% of OOPC cases, it is imperative that pediatric dentists agree we are at the forefront of HPV counseling of our pediatric populations. Future research should consider surveying recent graduates of pediatric dental residency programs to better assess any recent changes in the curricula, and their level of readiness to perform HPV counseling.