Impact of HPV Immunization Training on Dental Hygiene Students' Attitudes and Confidence Regarding HPV Preventive Education.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancers (OPC) have increased significantly despite availability of the HPV vaccine. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is becoming more prevalent than tobacco-related OPC. Dental professionals screen for OPC and risk factors, but many are not prepared to address HPV immunization and prevention with patients. The aim of this study was to implement and assess a training module on HPV to increase dental providers' knowledge, promote confidence in their ability to provide effective prevention interventions, and instill a positive attitude about recommending HPV immunization to their patients. The study used a pretest-posttest design. Participants were dental hygiene students in one U.S. dental hygiene program in 2017. The students completed the pretest, then viewed the online training module, and completed the posttest one week later. Of the 40 students who participated in the module, 37 completed both pretest and posttest, for a response rate of 93%. From pretest to posttest, the respondents showed a significant increase (CI=0.5, p<0.001) in knowledge of HPV prevention with mean scores increasing from 8.75 to 13.32 on a 15-point scale. The students demonstrated an increase (p<0.05) in confidence and comfort in providing HPV immunization counseling on the posttest, as well as an increase (p<0.05) in positive attitudes about recommending HPV immunization. This study found that the participants' knowledge and confidence regarding HPV, HPV-related OPC, and HPV immunization increased after the module, suggesting that effective education and preparation for HPV counseling can be accomplished through modular-based education. This education would be beneficial in an institutional or professional setting.

A scoping review of skills and tools oral health professionals need to engage children and parents in dietary changes to prevent childhood obesity and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

OBJECTIVES: Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to obesity. Obesity now affects one in six children in the United States. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and review published studies that discuss skills and tools oral health professionals can use with children (under age 12) and their parents to encourage dietary changes to aid in preventing childhood obesity and reducing consumption of SSBs. METHODS: Key search terms were identified and used to examine selected databases via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A total of 637 records were identified. After duplicates were removed and records were screened for eligibility, 33 remained. Six met established inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the review. RESULTS: Only two full-text articles included dental-office-based weight interventions. Patient response to education on healthy habits and weight maintenance in the dental setting was favorable. Literature supports oral health professionals expanding their role in health care delivery by offering nutrition and physical activity recommendations to prevent and/or reduce chronic disease. Active listening and motivational interviewing were techniques identified to promote beneficial lifestyle changes. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited research on behavior modification tools and skills that have been effectively implemented in the dental setting to decrease risk of obesity. Oral health professionals are uniquely positioned to address consumption of SSBs and promote positive dietary habits for improved weight management. Future studies are needed to identify effective techniques that techniques that oral health professionals can integrate into preventive patient care.