Determinants of dentists' readiness to assess HPV risk and recommend immunization: A transtheoretical model of change-based cross-sectional study of Ontario dentists

Objectives To evaluate dentists' readiness to assess the history of human papilloma virus (HPV) infections and recommend immunization among their patients. Materials and methods A link to a self-administered questionnaire was emailed to Ontario dentists. Dentists' readiness and its determinants were assessed based on Transtheoretical Model's 'stages' and 'processes' of change, respectively. Based on their current practices, dentists were either assigned to 'pre-action' or 'action+' stages. Results Of the 9,975 dentists contacted, 932 completed the survey; 51.9% participants were in action stage to assess the history of HPV infections and 20.5% to recommend immunization. Internationally-trained and those whose office's physical layout was not a concern to discuss patients' sexual history were more likely to assess the history. Dentists with higher knowledge about HPV vaccines, not concerned about the HPV vaccine safety, comfortable discussing sex-related topics with patients, or willing to exceed their scope of practice were more ready to recommend HPV immunization to their patients. Conclusion Improving Ontario dentists' knowledge and communication skills and changing their self-perceived role regarding HPV infections and vaccination can increase their capacity to minimize the burden of HPV infections.

Automated summary

Among the surveyed dentists, over half of the participants were in the action stage of assessing HPV infection history, while only 20.5% of participants were in the action stage of recommending vaccination. While various factors may influence dentists' readiness, increasing knowledge levels, improving communication skills, and changing self-perceived roles may be key to increasing their capacity to reduce the burden of HPV infections.