116 - Pediatric Dentists’ Knowledge, Comfort, Perceptions Regarding Administering the HPV Vaccine

Purpose: To determine Pediatric Dentists current level of knowledge, comfort, and perception in promoting the HPV vaccine and viewpoints on administering it.

Methods: A survey consisting of 37 questions was sent via SurveyMonkey to active practicing members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (N=6,751), and Post-Doctoral Student Members (N=1,005). The data was collected over an 11-week period. The survey investigated pediatric dental professionals’ outlook on their knowledge base, perceptions and level of comfort regarding dispensing the HPV vaccine.

Results: Three hundred and twenty-two responses (N=322) were collected. The response rate was four percent: 290 from active members, and 32 from residents. Thirty-eight percent of responding pediatric dentists agree in their competency and current knowledge about the HPV vaccine. Twenty-six percent of respondents feel comfortable discussing the HPV vaccine with patients and parents. Additionally, 52% of responding pediatric dentists believe they have an obligation to promote the HPV vaccine and 40% of them are willing to administer the HPV vaccine if permitted by law.

Conclusion: Responding pediatric dentists are members of the healthcare workforce and could promote HPV vaccination; however more work is needed before that can occur. Currently there is lack of knowledge and comfort in discussing the HPV vaccine with patients, which demonstrates the need for continuing education. Additionally, the very low response rate may indicate a general lack of interest in this subject among practicing pediatric dentists, and trainees.