The human papilloma virus, the vaccines, and oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: what every dentist should know.

High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) strains 16 and 18 have been shown to cause cervical cancer as well as other benign and malignant disorders. Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) has been linked to high-risk HPV strains. Recent developments in the field of immunology have resulted in a vaccine to treat patients with HPV against cervical cancer. The widespread use of the HPV vaccine should reduce the risk of cervical cancer and could decrease the risk of OOSCC as well. This article examines the virus as well as the vaccines and how they could be used. A possible reduction in oral and oropharyngeal cancers as a result of widespread vaccination is discussed.