Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42464262›Full record

SynthesisBMC oral health2026

The role of the dentist in promoting HPV vaccination in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ana Rita Fernandes Teixeira, José Frias-Bulhosa, Juan Antonio Ruiz Roca, Otília Pereira-Lopes

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC oral health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Ana Rita Fernandes TeixeiraFaculty of Health Sciences, FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal. 41097@ufp.edu.pt.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2933-8371
José Frias-BulhosaFaculty of Health Sciences, FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7053-9189
Juan Antonio Ruiz RocaFaculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, España.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5145-899X
Otília Pereira-LopesFaculty of Health Sciences, FP-I3ID, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-4091

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundOral health professionals may play a key role in promoting HPV vaccination among adults through counseling and health education. Understanding their impact and the effectiveness of educational interventions is crucial for public health strategies.

objectivesTo assess the influence of oral health professionals on adherence to HPV vaccination in adults and to identify the effectiveness of educational strategies aimed at improving their counseling practices. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review included cross-sectional and interventional studies evaluating adult-focused HPV vaccination counseling provided by oral health professionals. INFORMATION SOURCES: Searches were conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Wiley, and TRIP Database from inception to April 21, 2025. METHODS OF SYNTHESIS: Data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis model in RStudio (version 4.2.2) to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

resultsA total of 10 studies were included, involving 9,575 participants, of which 3 studies implemented educational interventions. Prior to educational interventions, many dentists demonstrated limited knowledge about HPV and its link to oropharyngeal cancer, and only a few routinely discussed HPV vaccination with patients. Post-intervention, there was a notable improvement in professionals' knowledge, confidence, and frequency of patient counseling. DISCUSSION: Educational interventions were effective in enhancing dentist's preparedness to address HPV vaccination. However, barriers such as lack of privacy, discomfort discussing the topic, and limited prior training were also reported. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity in study design, limited geographic diversity, and variability in intervention approaches were noted.

conclusionsOral health professionals can significantly contribute to adult HPV vaccination efforts through targeted counseling, especially when supported by ongoing education and institutional strategies that address systemic barriers. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID: CRD42024617902.

Indexed as

DentistsHealth PromotionPapillomavirus InfectionsPapillomavirus VaccinesProfessional RoleVaccinationAdultCounselingHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansPapillomavirus VaccinesAdultsDental health servicesHealth educationHPVHuman papillomavirusVaccination

Identifiers

PMID42464262
PMCPMC13663184

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.