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Preventive

364 - Social Determinants of Health : HPV Vaccination Rates and Administration Attitudes

Saturday, May 23, 2026
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Rochelle Bubis, DDS

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Temple University Hospital
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • KA

    Kripa Agarwal, DMD

    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus

  • Sara D. Dworkin, DDS

    Associate Program Director
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Sara D. Dworkin, DDS

    Associate Program Director
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Paul A. Bahn, III, DMD (he/him/his)

    Pediatric Dentist
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus
    Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus Pediatric Dental Residency Program
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Evidence suggests that social determinants of health (SDOH) play a significant role in the access to and acceptance of vaccination and sometimes constrain establishing trust/care in the dental healthcare setting. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to screen parents of children for SDOH, in a pediatric dental practice, and then to correlate screening with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, knowledge, and attitudes about the HPV vaccine.

Methods: A survey including a validated screening questionnaire for SDOH with added questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine was given to parents of children 9-14 years of age. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine if any correlations exist between screening positive for one or more SDOH, and 1) having received or planning to receive the HPV vaccine, 2) knowledge of the HPV vaccine, 3) attitudes of parents towards the HPV vaccine, and 4) its administration by dental professionals.

Results: 61 participants enrolled with 24% reporting SDOH risk factors. Reporting SDOH risk factors was correlated with increased child vaccination status (p=.005), parental intent to vaccinate (p=.0003) and acceptance of dentist administered vaccines (p=.005). There was no relationship between SDOH risk factors and knowledge of the HPV vaccine or oropharyngeal cancer. 69% of parents screening positive for SDOH reported comfort with dentist administered vaccines compared to 27% of parents who screened negative for SDOH.

Conclusion: Data such as this may help to highlight social risk factors that may impact HPV vaccination rates in children. Screening SDOH+ was significantly associated with greater acceptance of dentist-administered vaccinations, particularly among those reporting financial insecurity. These findings highlight increased openness to vaccination by dental professionals among populations experiencing SDOH. This knowledge can be used to create social interventions or policies to increase vaccination rates and help reduce the prevalence of HPV infection and the long term risk of oral cancer.

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