Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Recommendation Practices Among Conference Attendees

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) 2019 Annual Session attendees' knowledge, recommendation behaviors, and education regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV immunization. Methods: Conference attendees were recruited to complete a paper survey assessing demographic characteristics, education resources, HPV recommendation behaviors, and knowledge. Results: A total of 188 surveys were completed. The mean knowledge score was 7.7±1.6 (range equals zero to 10). Students/residents had the highest knowledge score (8.2±1.3; P=0.02). The statement, "Dentists should make HPV immunization recommendations," had strong agreement (3.8±0.9, range equals one to five) compared to discussing patient immunization status (2.2±1.2). The most utilized information source was personal knowledge (47.9 percent), and the least utilized were American Dental Association statements (8.5 percent). Conclusions: Participants agree dentists should make human papillomavirus immunization recommendations, but they prefer not to discuss patient immunization status. Interventions are needed to increase HPV knowledge by improving the uptake of formal organization statements.