FDI highlights dentist role in preventing HPV-related oral cancers

The FDI World Dental Federation has released a position highlighting the critical role dentists play in addressing the rising number of oral and oropharyngeal cancer cases linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

According to an article in the ‘International Dental Journal’, dentists can support public health by educating patients, promoting vaccinations, recognizing concerning symptoms, and facilitating timely referrals for further diagnostics. The FDI emphasizes that while dentists should not implement separate screening programs in their offices, they must use scientific knowledge to identify potential issues in areas such as the tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate.

HPV-related cancers are becoming a significant public health challenge, in some regions surpassing cervical cancer in frequency. Because many years can pass between HPV exposure and the development of tumors, early recognition and preventative education are vital.