AAOSH – Dallas, TX – Live Event – HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: It’s Our Turn to Talk and Act!

For decades, tobacco and alcohol were seen as the primary culprits behind oral cancer. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, Human Papillomavirus-related Oral Pharyngeal Cancer (HPV-OPC) accounts for approximately 73% of all oropharyngeal cancers—a staggering statistic that’s growing at an alarming rate of 30% annually.

While traditional risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and acid reflux still play a role, high-risk HPV strains are now known to be more aggressive—even in isolation—and detectable through salivary diagnostics. The connection to oral sex as a major transmission route is a topic often avoided, but it’s time for our dental profession to step up.

With half of all new HPV infections occurring between ages 15 and 24, we are in a unique and essential position to make a difference at every age, through early preventive discussions, sophisticated early detection strategies and education. This engaging and eye-opening course will equip you with the data, strategies, and language to confidently navigate this evolving health crisis—even when the conversations feel a little uncomfortable.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the rising incidence of HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancers and the key lifestyle risk factors driving this trend.
2. Explain the link between HPV transmission—particularly through oral sex—and its connection to the development of HPV-OPC.
3. Recognize the role of the 9-valent HPV vaccine as a prevention strategy in children and adults.
4. Employ salivary diagnostics in early risk detection of HPV-related oral cancers.
5. Communicate effectively about tobacco cessation, acid reflux, and other modifiable risk factors during routine dental visits.
6. Integrate a thorough 3- to 5-minute oral cancer screening protocol into preventive care appointments to enhance early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

AGD Code: 730  (Oral Medicine, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Pathology)

Core Curriculum Category:  Cancer and Autoimmune Disorders