A University of Pennsylvania research team has validated a survey instrument to measure patient perceptions of dental providers administering HPV and COVID-19 vaccines, publishing its findings in Frontiers in Oral Health July 28.
The team used statistical analysis and focus-group feedback from participants to refine an earlier pilot survey, reducing its length by 25% while maintaining validity. Participants expressed mixed views on dental providers administering vaccines, being notably more opposed to dentists giving HPV vaccines than COVID-19 vaccines, which researchers said may reflect a lack of patient knowledge about the HPV vaccine and its connection to oral health.
About a decade ago, some states began authorizing dentists to administer vaccines, with more doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers said the frequency of dental visits and the trust patients have in their dentists make dental offices a strong venue for vaccine education and administration.
If future research using the validated survey finds patients receptive, the team said it could inform advocacy for changes in vaccine administration.
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