HPV-positive head and neck cancers: a review of the literature

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is rampant among young adults and is linked with cervical and oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). As the preventive arm of oral health care, dental hygienists can take the lead in educating the young adult population about risk factors for HPV and OPC. Dental hygienists' active involvement in educational initiatives may help minimize the spread of HPV associated STDs, prevent transmission of HPV to the head and neck region, and decrease the development of OPC.

Keywords: at-risk behaviors; dental hygienists; human papillomavirus; oropharyngeal cancer; risk factors; sexually transmitted diseases.