HPV vaccine discussion and administration in dental primary healthcare settings for oropharyngeal cancer prevention: A systematic review from dental patients' perspectives.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVE

The dental office is a critical frontline for preventing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), as dentists are trusted primary oral health providers who can advise on this major cancer risk. This systematic review assessed dental patients' perceptions of HPV vaccine discussion and administration by dental professionals.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus for peer-reviewed English-language publications from 1 January 2006 to 31 July 2025, with an updated search conducted on 1 September 2025. We included quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in dental settings that reported patients' perceptions of HPV, and the discussion and administration of vaccination. We assessed the potential bias of the reviewed quantitative studies using the Risk of Bias Tool. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024585928).

RESULTS

Initial searches identified 3213 records. After removing 2802 duplicates, 411 records underwent title and abstract screening, 45 full-texts were assessed, and 14 studies were included. Of these, 5 focused on adult patients, 8 on parents of child patients, and 1 on college-aged student patients. Most studies (12/14, 85.7%) had a low risk of bias, while two had a moderate risk. A significant proportion (ranging from 23% to 86%, based on 9 studies) of patients reported feeling comfortable or receptive to discussing HPV, HPV vaccination, and head and neck cancers with dental professionals, preferring dentists over dental hygienists. However, most (61% to 93%) patients did not receive such information during dental visits. Patients were also receptive to vaccinating their children in dental settings and preferred dentists as vaccine administrators. Counselling and information from dental professionals increased patients' comfort in receiving HPV vaccination in these settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that dental patients are generally comfortable and receptive to HPV vaccination discussions in dental settings. Developing tailored, evidence-based strategies to promote HPV vaccination is warranted.