Utilization of the HPV Brief Motivational Interviewing Skills-Based Training Among University of Minnesota Dental Hygiene Alumni

Abstract

Purpose Despite the availability of a vaccine to prevent Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC), its incidence has surpassed all other HPV-related cancers. Dental hygienists play an important role in patient education and vaccine counseling for the prevention of HPV-OPC. The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of HPV Brief Motivational Interviewing (brief MI) Skills Based Training among the University of Minnesota (UMN) dental hygiene alumni.

Methods A quantitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of dental hygiene alumni (classes of 2020-2024; n=135) who completed HPV Brief MI Skills Based Training at the UMN. Multiple recruitment strategies were used including email, mail, social media, and snowball sampling. Participants completed a 37-item anonymous electronic survey via Qualtrics. The survey was adapted from previously used instruments to assess HPV knowledge, attitudes, current practices in HPV counseling, and the application of brief MI for the prevention of HPV-OPC.

Results Among the participants (n=51), 49% reported using MI strategies to counsel at least one patient on prevention of HPV-OPC infections and indicated high comfort and confidence in applying MI strategies. However, most participants (73%) acknowledged they do not routinely discuss HPV with patients. Barriers included time constraints, vaccine resistance, difficulty initiating conversations, and lack of confidence or comfort during discussions. Results indicate that knowledge retention and attitudes may be influenced by frequency of practice.

Conclusion Dental hygiene alumni from five consecutive cohorts who received HPV Brief MI Skills-Based Training reported comfort and confidence in HPV communication with patients. Findings suggest brief MI is an effective counseling strategy for HPV-OPC prevention and vaccine advocacy. Reported barriers to regular HPV-OPC prevention counseling suggest a change in dental practice culture may be needed.