ADA thanks lawmakers for introducing PREVENT HPV Cancers Act

Legislation would establish national public awareness campaign on HPV vaccination

The American Dental Association sent a letter June 5 thanking federal legislators for introducing the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act, which would establish a national public awareness campaign on human papillomavirus vaccination.

The ADA supports increasing awareness of HPV and its vaccine and believes dentists play a key role in HPV cancer prevention, according to the letter. The campaign established by HR 3633 would disseminate vaccination information and communication resources to health care providers, including dentists, who would then use this information to educate their patients on the benefits of HPV vaccination.

HPV can affect the mouth and throat, causing certain head and neck cancers, according to the letter, which the ADA sent to Reps. Kathy Castor, D-Fla.; Julia Letlow, R-La.; and Kim Schrier, D-Wash. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the virus is associated with 14,800 cases of head and neck cancer each year in the U.S.

The ADA adopted a policy in 2018 that urges dentists to support the use and administration of the HPV vaccine, recognizing it as a way to help prevent infection of the types of HPV associated with oropharyngeal cancer.

“The ADA greatly appreciates your leadership on this important issue, and would welcome the opportunity to partner with your offices and the CDC on informing the public about HPV vaccination,” ADA President George R. Shepley, D.D.S., and Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., said in the letter.

Follow all of the ADA’s advocacy efforts at ADA.org/advocacy.