Knowledge of Dutch dentists regarding HPV associated cancer of the oropharynx

Worldwide and also in the Netherlands there is an increasing human papillomavirus (HPV)-attributable oropharyngeal cancer incidence. This type of cancer is more common at a younger age than the classical oropharyngeal cancer, which is usually caused by smoking and excessive drinking. Most often, the tumor occurs in the tonsils and at the base of the tongue. This study explored the level of knowledge of dentists about oropharyngeal cancer, its association with the human papillomavirus and their willingness to play a role in prevention. 7.364 digital questionnaires were sent to oral health-care providers and data from 607 dentists was analyzed. 48% of knowledge questions were answered correctly by more than half of the respondents. Significantly more female caregivers were aware of the relationship between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer and the availability of an HPV vaccine. Respondents considered it important that the relationship between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer is discussed with patients and that a protocol is developed that is useful in screening for mouth and throat cancer.