ADA backs PREVENT HPV Cancers Act, citing dentists’ role in prevention

ADA leaders are supporting the bipartisan Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education, and New Treatments for HPV Cancers Act, also known as the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act.  

In a Dec. 11 letter sent to Reps. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., Kim Schrier, D-Wash., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., the ADA highlighted the importance of expanding public awareness about human papillomavirus, strengthening vaccination education and improving access to evidence-based prevention strategies. 

In the letter, ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., underscored the significant impact of HPV on oral and oropharyngeal health. According to the letter, HPV is estimated to cause approximately 70%, or more than 15,000 cases, of head and neck cancers annually in the United States, surpassing tobacco use as the leading cause of these cancers. The Association reiterated the effectiveness of current vaccine options in reducing risks associated with the roughly 40 HPV types linked to oropharyngeal cancer. 

If passed, the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act would create a national public awareness initiative focused on evidence-based vaccination. 

“The campaign would disseminate vaccination information and communication resources to health care providers, including dentists,” Drs. Rosato and Shapiro wrote, noting that with these resources, dental professionals would be better equipped to educate patients, encourage vaccine completion and counter misinformation. 

Drs. Rosato and Shapiro also recognized updates in the legislation that address rising HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer rates among veterans and service members, as well as progress in screening technologies such as HPV self-collection. 

“The ADA supports these updates and the bill’s focus on appropriate outreach to communities at higher risk,” they said. “The ADA appreciates your leadership on this issue and welcomes the opportunity to partner with your offices and the CDC on public education regarding HPV vaccination.”