Legislators and healthcare leaders in several states are looking toward the oral health space to boost vaccine administration to improve public health outcomes.
Three updates:
1. Researchers at North Carolina State University are testing whether dental floss could be used as a new way to deliver vaccinations. Those involved in the project, led by Harvinder Singh Gill, PhD, said the tissue between the teeth and gums could be a beneficial pathway for delivering medication without a needle and into areas where many viruses first attack, such as the nose, mouth and lungs. The approach is designed for older children and adults and would not replace traditional shots for infants.
2. A research team at Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania validated a survey instrument to measure patient perceptions of dental providers administering HPV and COVID-19 vaccines. The team used statistical analysis and focus-group feedback from participants to refine an earlier pilot survey. 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. If future research using the validated survey finds patients receptive, the team said it could inform advocacy for changes in vaccine administration.
3. West Virginia health advocates have proposed legislation that would allow dentists and dental hygienists to administer the HPV vaccine. The bill is modeled after laws already enacted in seven states — Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey and Oregon. The push follows a pilot project in which a dental hygienist in rural Pocahontas County educated patients about the HPV vaccine during routine dental visits. Of 34 eligible unvaccinated patients educated over six months, 10 agreed to be vaccinated — but none followed through on getting the vaccine. Advocates say the barrier confirms that in-office administration is necessary to close the gap.
