Policy on Human Papilloma Virus Vaccinations

Policy statement

The AAPD supports measures that prevent OOPC, including the prevention of HPV infection, a critical factor in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The AAPD encourages oral health care providers to:

• educate patients and parents on the serious health consequences of OOPC and the relationship of HPV to OOPC.
• counsel patients and parents regarding HPV vaccination in accordance with CDC recommendations as part of anticipatory guidance for adolescent patients.
• routinely examine patients for oral signs of and changes consistent with OOPC.
• follow current literature and consider incorporating other approaches for HPV prevention in their practices to minimize the risk of disease transmission.