Australian population and dentists’ knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and SARS-CoV-2: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a condition causing significant morbidity and mortality. Broadly, it can be divided into two epidemiological groups: cases that are related to behavioural factors such as tobacco and heavy alcohol use and poor diet, and cases that are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. With large proportions of the general population attending dental clinics regularly, dental practitioners may be ideally placed to undertake screening for HPV-related oral cancer and play an essential role in its prevention. The development of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and the vulnerability of dental practitioners to infection due to exposure to potentially contaminated aerosols have changed the way dentists practise dentistry and their role in the pandemic.

This thesis investigated the attitudes to and knowledge of HPV and OPSCC among the Australian population and dentists and also explored their attitudes to the emergence of a new infection, SARS-CoV-2, early in the pandemic. Although SARS-CoV-2 was explored, the focus was knowledge and attitudes towards testing and discussing HPV in dental settings.

The research framework consisted of a clinical study probing the prevalence of oral HPV among the Australian population and five epidemiological studies on the knowledge and attitudes of the Australian population and dentists to HPV, OPSCC and SARS-CoV-2.

The thesis identified knowledge gaps regarding HPV, its risk factors, and the need for further education. The thesis also established that the Australian population was receptive to HPV screening in dental surgeries and participating in HPV discussions with their dentists.

This thesis has outlined gaps in HPV knowledge, education efforts and sexual health training for dental institutions looking to improve oral HPV, OPSCC, sexual health education and HPV vaccination awareness among the Australian population and dentists.