Assessing Oral Cancer Awareness Among Dental Students

Oral cancer awareness among dental students in a private university setting

INTRODUCTION

There is a great deal of research on the awareness of students and professionals regarding oral cancer. The aim of this study was to find out students' opinions in their final years of dental school training who have clinic time about the importance of correct mucosal examination of the oral cavity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to fourth- and fifth-year dental students. The questionnaire included demographic aspects of the participants and five closed questions related to the importance given to the exploration of the soft tissues during patient visits, the importance of the university training received, their interest in continuing education on this subject, their role as dentists in early diagnosis and whether they consider themselves prepared to diagnose oral cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 214 undergraduate dental students participated in the study, 24.3% fourth year and 75.7% fifth year. Moreover, 97.7% of the students considered soft tissue examination to be important or very important, 90.2% of the students surveyed considered the university training received to be important or very important and 66.4% of the students considered that the most qualified professional to diagnose an oral lesion is the dentist.

CONCLUSION

In this study, most of the students felt that graduate training in oral cancer is important, as well as soft tissue examination. In addition, the majority considered that the professional most indicated to diagnose oral lesions is the dentist. However, a very small percentage felt prepared to diagnose oral cancer themselves.

Development and validation of a cadaveric porcine Pseudotumor model for Oral Cancer biopsy and resection training

OBJECTIVE

The gold standard of oral cancer (OC) treatment is diagnostic confirmation by biopsy followed by surgical treatment. However, studies have shown that dentists have difficulty performing biopsies, dental students lack knowledge about OC, and surgeons do not always maintain a safe margin during tumor resection. To address this, biopsies and resections could be trained under realistic conditions outside the patient. The aim of this study was to develop and to validate a porcine pseudotumor model of the tongue.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary team reflecting various specialties involved in the oncological treatment of head and neck oncology developed a porcine pseudotumor model of the tongue in which biopsies and resections can be practiced. The refined model was validated in a final trial of 10 participants who each resected four pseudotumors on a tongue, resulting in a total of 40 resected pseudotumors. The participants (7 residents and 3 specialists) had an experience in OC treatment ranging from 0.5 to 27 years. Resection margins (minimum and maximum) were assessed macroscopically and compared beside self-assessed margins and resection time between residents and specialists. Furthermore, the model was evaluated using Likert-type questions on haptic and radiological fidelity, its usefulness as a training model, as well as its imageability using CT and ultrasound.

RESULTS

The model haptically resembles OC (3.0 ± 0.5; 4-point Likert scale), can be visualized with medical imaging and macroscopically evaluated immediately after resection providing feedback. Although, participants (3.2 ± 0.4) tended to agree that they had resected the pseudotumor with an ideal safety margin (10 mm), the mean minimum resection margin was insufficient at 4.2 ± 1.2 mm (mean ± SD), comparable to reported margins in literature. Simultaneously, a maximum resection margin of 18.4 ± 6.1 mm was measured, indicating partial over-resection. Although specialists were faster at resection (p < 0.001), this had no effect on margins (p = 0.114). Overall, the model was well received by the participants, and they could see it being implemented in training (3.7 ± 0.5).

CONCLUSION

The model, which is cost-effective, cryopreservable, and provides a risk-free training environment, is ideal for training in OC biopsy and resection and could be incorporated into dental, medical, or oncologic surgery curricula. Future studies should evaluate the long-term training effects using this model and its potential impact on improving patient outcomes.

Factors influencing delayed referral of oral cancer patients from family dentists to the core hospital

Background/purpose

Most oral cancer (OC) cases are identified by family dentists in Japan. However, a significant number of patients with OC in Japan are referred to core hospitals at advanced stages. Therefore, identifying the factors that contribute to delayed referrals from family dentists to core hospitals is crucial for detecting OC in its earlier stages. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the risk factors for referral delays from family dentists to core hospitals.

Materials and methods

The study included 63 patients with OC who were referred by family dentists to the Yamagata University Hospital between 2010 and 2022. The clinical parameters related to referral delays were retrospectively investigated using letters of reference provided by the family dentists and patient charts. Backward multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the relationships between the length of referral delay and potential risk factors. Additionally, backward multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between referral delays of >4 weeks and several clinical parameters.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed that misdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists (P = 0.047) was significantly associated with longer referral delays. Additionally, misdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists was also an independent risk factor for referral delays of >4 weeks (odds ratio, 10.387; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Misdiagnosis of malignant lesions by family dentists was a significant risk factor for referral delays from family dentists to core hospitals. Our results will motivate family dentists to improve their ability to diagnose OC.

Evaluation of the diagnostic ability of oral lesions on clinical images among undergraduate dental students

INTRODUCTION

The dentist should be able to carry out systematic oral examinations of the mucosa of patients in order to diagnose any alterations at an early stage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational, analytical, prospective, and longitudinal study was carried out. 161 students were evaluated at the beginning of their clinical practice in their 4th year of dental school (September 2019), at the beginning and at the end of their 5th year of dental school (June 2021). Thirty oral lesions were projected, and the students were asked to provide an answer; if the lesions were benign, malignant, or potentially malignant, whether they should be biopsied and/or treated and a presumptive diagnosis.

RESULTS

Significant improvement (p < .001) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 results, in relation to the classification, need for biopsy and treatment of lesions. For differential diagnosis, no significant difference (p = .985) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 responses. Malignant lesions and PMD obtained mixed results, with the best results corresponding to OSCC.

DISCUSSION

In this study, a correct lesion classification by the students was over 50%. As for the OSCC, the results were superior to the rest of the images, reaching more than 95% correct.

CONCLUSION

Theoretical-practical training from universities and continuing education for graduates in relation to oral mucosal pathologies should be further promoted.

Oral Cancer Awareness of Tertiary Education Students and General Public in Singapore

OBJECTIVES

Oral cancer confers high morbidity and mortality rates. Late diagnosis of oral cancer is linked to a lack of awareness of its existence and known risk factors. The purpose of this survey was to examine the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer amongst different groups in Singapore.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire (including questions on awareness, risk factor knowledge, and health beliefs about oral cancer) was distributed to undergraduate students from the medical and dental schools and other faculties at the National University of Singapore, as well as the general public.

RESULTS

A total of 470 responses were analysed. Both medical and dental students were almost universally aware of the disease and correctly identified recognised risk factors for oral cancers. Dental students had a significantly higher level of knowledge of chewing betel quid as a risk factor than medical students (98% vs 74%; P < .0001), although 1 in 10 dental students did not identify alcohol as a risk factor. In contrast, undergraduate students from other faculties were the least aware of oral cancer (62%). Within the general public, knowledge of the risk factors of oral cancer aside from smoking was low, with only 41% aware of viruses as a possible aetiology. However, the younger population group, aged 18 to 34 years old, in general had better knowledge of the risk factors of oral cancer compared with older participants.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a general lack of awareness about oral cancer and its associated risk factors amongst certain cohorts of the Singapore population. There exists room for further targeted education.

The duration of intervals on the oral cancer care pathway and implications for survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Previous studies measuring intervals on the oral cancer care pathway have been heterogenous, showing mixed results with regard to patient outcomes. The aims of this research were (1) to calculate pooled meta-analytic estimates for the duration of the patient, diagnostic and treatment intervals in oral cancer, considering the income level of the country, and (2) to review the evidence on the relationship of these three intervals with tumor stage at diagnosis and survival.

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (pre-registered protocol CRD42020200752). Following the Aarhus statement, studies were eligible if they reported data on the length of the patient (first symptom to first presentation to a healthcare professional), diagnostic (first presentation to diagnosis), or treatment (diagnosis to start of treatment) intervals in adult patients diagnosed with primary oral cancer. The risk of bias was assessed with the Aarhus checklist.

Results

Twenty-eight studies reporting on 30,845 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled median duration of the patient interval was 47 days (95% CI = 31-73), k = 18, of the diagnosis interval 35 days (95% CI = 21-38), k = 11, and of the treatment interval 30 days (95% CI = 23-53), k = 19. In lower-income countries, the patient and treatment intervals were significantly longer, and longer patient intervals were related to later stage at diagnosis. In studies with a lower risk of bias from high-income countries, longer treatment intervals were associated with lower survival rates.

Conclusion

Interval duration on the oral cancer care pathway is influenced by the socio-economic context and may have implications for patient outcomes.

An Online Survey to Examine the Dental Students Awareness, Knowledge, Prevention and Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Background

Although oral cancer is known to be particularly aggressive and to have a poor prognosis, early detection is often connected with a better outlook. Consequently, the purpose of this research was to evaluate dental students' and interns' understanding of oral cancer prevention strategies and practices, as well as their motivations for engaging in such efforts.

Material and Methods

The dental interns and undergraduates in their last years of the dental school participated in a cross-sectional questionnaire study. All eligible participants (N = 300) were asked to fill out a 48-item questionnaire on oral cancer prevention and early detection. The questionnaire was broken down into four parts covering demographic information, knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.

Results

The percentage of people who answered the survey was 65% (N = 300). Interns outperformed dentistry school freshmen by a substantial margin (P = 0.05) on tests of both knowledge and attitude. Some people avoid being screened for oral cancer because they feel they do not have the knowledge, skills, self-assurance, or time to do so effectively.

Conclusions

The majority of those polled in this research seemed to lack the necessary knowledge and abilities in mouth cancer prevention and early detection, but they had high levels of desire and a positive outlook toward oral cancer preventive education.

Oral cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among senior dental students in Yemen: a multi-institution study

BACKGROUND

The "Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)" approach is crucial in health system. Appreciating the current KAP status will reveal the extent of the efficiency of applied health strategies, and subsequently help to determine the appropriate health policy to be employed for improving the health indicators of a given disease/condition, including Oral Cancer (OC). This large-scale cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice on OC among senior dental students in Yemen.

METHODS

A pre-validated online questionnaire was used for data collection. It consisted of a series of close-ended questions on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to OC. Yemeni dental students in clinical levels (4th and 5th years) from nine dental schools based in four major cities were invited to complete the survey. The SPSS Version 28.0 was used for data analysis. Differences by different grouping factors were assessed by Chi-squared and Mann Whitney-U tests, as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 927 students completed the questionnaire: a response rate of 43%. While the majority identified smoking (93.8%), and smokeless tobacco (92.1%) as potential risk factors of OC, only 76.2% recognized sun exposure as a risk factor for lip cancer and only 50% were aware of old age as a risk factor of OC. Regarding clinical signs of OC, 84.1% reported that OC can present as non-healing ulcer, but only two thirds of the participants recognized that OC can present as a white and/or red lesion. With respect to practices, although 92.1% reported asking their patients regarding oral habits, only 78% reported they regularly carry out a soft tissue examination. Only 54.5% of the participants considered themselves to be well-trained to provide smoking cessation advice, and 21% were confident regarding their knowledge on OC. The 5th year students showed significantly better knowledge and practices than the 4th year students did (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of senior dental students in Yemen regarding OC. The findings also underscore the urgent need to improve OC teaching and training of undergraduate dental students, and to provide periodic well-structured continuing professional development activities for dental professionals.

Knowledge of Oral Cancer Risk Factors among International Medical and Dental Students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among international dental and medical students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU). A cross-sectional study was conducted among international medical and dental students at the LSMU in 2018−2019. In total, 253 students participated, for a response rate of 76.2%. An anonymous self-administered English questionnaire, consisting of 18 items, covered background information (gender, faculty and academic study year), and statements about risk factors for oral cancer and attitudes towards the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. The fifteen statements had the following answer options: yes, no and I don’t know. The statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Overall, a good, fair and poor knowledge of oral risk factors was reported by 15.02%, 56.92% and 28.06% of the participants, respectively. The mean score for knowledge of oral cancer risk factors was 10.01 (SD = 2.56), which was defined as fair knowledge. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 0.78 (a good value). Bartlett’s sphericity test and the KMO index were adequate (χ2 = 677.563, p < 0.001; KMO = 0.788). This study demonstrates a lack of knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among international medical and dental students.

Dental Education for Prevention of Oral Cancer in Turkey: Needs for Changing the Curriculum

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dental students on oral cancer in Istanbul, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from Tanriover et al. consisting of 48 questions was distributed to 311 students enrolled in the fourth and fifth grades of a dental faculty in Istanbul, Turkey. Questions were grouped under 5 main headings: socio-demographic features, knowledge on risk factors and diagnostic procedures, history taking regarding to alcohol and smoking status, opinions and behaviors of oral cancer, and distribution of dental students according to diagnostic practice of oral cancer. The frequencies and percentages were calculated with descriptive analysis. The differences in distributions were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The p value was set at 0.05 for statistical significance. The overall response rate was 98% (305/311). The majority of the students identified tobacco and alcohol as risk factors (82% and 75.1%, respectively), while older age and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables were less likely to be known (60.2% and 52.8%, respectively). Almost one-fifth of the students stated that they have never performed oral cancer examinations during their first or subsequent dental examinations of their patients. Female students thought that dentists were authorized to make oral cancer examinations with a higher frequency compared to males (65.8% and 34.2%, respectively; p = 0.006). On the other hand, female students reported that they did not receive adequate education regarding cessation of smoking with a higher frequency compared with males (69.2% female and 30.8% male respectively; p = 0.0001). As this present study revealed that future dentists had insufficient knowledge in some of the main concepts on oral cancer risk factors, and they lacked the confidence in performing oral examinations in their patients, it is concluded that there is a need for a more structured teaching program with greater emphasis on the early signs and risk factors of OC. Reorganization of the dental curriculum, and courses which further draw attention on the responsibility of the dental practitioner in the detection of oral cancers will be beneficial for the creation of awareness on this significant topic among future dental workforce. Understanding the knowledge and perception of dental students on oral cancers is not only limited to a specific country but it is a worldwide critical issue in which information should be exchanged.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral cancer prevention among dental students and interns: an online cross‑sectional questionnaire in Palestine

Background

Oral cancer is frequently characterized with an aggressive behavior and an unfavorable prognosis; however, it is generally associated with promising prognosis if detected early. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward oral cancer prevention among dental students and interns; and to investigate the factors that influence their practices of oral cancer screening or prevention.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted between March and April of 2022 on the fourth- and fifth-year undergraduate dental students and interns in the College of Dentistry at Arab American University in Palestine. A 48-item questionnaire which has 4 sections: demographics, knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward oral cancer prevention and early detection was sent to all eligible participants (N = 570).

Results

The response rate was 68.7% (N = 351). About 66.8% of the respondents had poor knowledge about oral cancer and its risk factors, and 85.5% had a poor practice of oral cancer early detection and prevention; however, the majority of the respondents (81.1%) had shown favorable attitudes toward oral cancer prevention. Interns had significantly better knowledge and attitude scores compared to the undergraduate dental students (P < 0.05). Lack of training, time, confidence, and effectiveness were stated among the barriers to oral cancer screening.

Conclusions

Most of the participants surveyed in this study appeared to lack adequate knowledge and skills in oral cancer prevention and early detection; however, they seemed to have good motivation and a good attitude toward oral cancer prevention training.

A Prospective Comparative Analysis Regarding the Assessment of Oral Mucosal Disease Using a Validated Questionnaire to Improve the Teaching of Dental Students

Structured examination and treatment are essential in medicine. For dental students, a structured approach to the assessment of oral mucosal lesions is missing thus far. To validate an approach, a structured questionnaire was compared with the habitually used free description of oral lesions (white lesions, ulcers, hyperplasia). Thirty-three dental students were divided into two groups (Group 1 (n = 17) used the free description; Group 2 (n = 16) used a guided questionnaire) to characterize mucosal lesions in patients and make a tentative diagnosis. Although no difference was found between the groups regarding the suspected diagnosis or the histopathological findings, there was a significant advantage of the structured questionnaire in all aspects of the description compared to the free description (p = 0.000018). Thus, a structured description is an important aspect in the evaluation of oral mucosal changes, and a guided questionnaire should be implemented in the study of dentistry.

Cross-cultural adaptation of a Spanish version of a previously validated HPV survey that evaluates dental students' knowledge, perception and clinical practices in Latin America

BACKGROUND

The global incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is increasing. Dental professionals play a key role in the detection of oral lesions that could lead to cancer. However, scientific-based HPV-OPC visual inspection guidelines are underdeveloped and HPV knowledge and awareness has been reported to be low among dental students and professionals. The present study adapted and performed pretesting of a multi-scale survey evaluating knowledge, perceptions, and clinical practices regarding HPV and HPV-OPC for Latin American Spanish-speaking populations.

METHODS

A previously developed questionnaire for English-speaking dental students was translated to Spanish. The questionnaire was administered to first year dental students at two Latin American universities with dental programs. Internal consistencies were measured using Cronbach Alpha. Analyses were conducted in SAS Version 9.4.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 114 students, a majority of the which were female (61%), and Hispanic/Latino(a)/Spanish (91%). The HPV, HPV-OPC, and HPV vaccine knowledge subscales demonstrated good internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.83, 0.75, and 0.86 respectively. The Barriers subscale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93, showing excellent internal consistency. The Clinical Procedures subscale, focused on factors surrounding dental students' hypothetical clinical practice procedures, had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. The Scope of Practice scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, this survey demonstrated reliability and applicability for the assessment of dental students' knowledge, perceptions, and clinical practices regarding HPV and HPV-OPC in Latin America.

Knowledge, awareness, and attitude among dental students regarding oral cancer in Saudi Arabia

Background

Oral cancer awareness among junior and seniors' dental undergraduate students may have an impact on the early detection and prevention of oral cancer.

Aims and Objectives

To assess oral cancer awareness, knowledge and attitude among undergraduate dental students in government and private colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to assess oral cancer knowledge, awareness and attitude among undergraduate dental students in government and private colleges in Saudi Arabia. All junior and senior students enrolled during the 2020- 2021 academic year, were eligible to participate (n=189).

Results

The study shows that dental Students at private and government colleges in Saudi Arabia are generally knowledgeable regarding Knowledge, awareness, attitude and management of oral cancer. There was no significant difference between knowledge, awareness, attitude, and management of oral cancer between students in either private and government colleges. Results shows that 99 (88.9%) of dental students in government colleges considered human papilloma virus as a risk factor, higher than dental students in private colleges 48 (73.3%). My results indicated that dental students considered (87%) tobacco, and alcohol (83.6%) as main risk to oral cancer, whereas, 100 (53%) identified limited consumption of fruit and vegetables and 124 (65.6%) considered old age as risk factor for oral cancer.

Conclusion

The variation in correct answers indicate to need to reinforce the undergraduate dental curriculum with regards to oral cancer education; particularly in its prevention and early detection. Revision of knowledge senior students in oral cancer is highly recommended.

Assessment of Knowledge Level and Awareness About Human Papillomavirus Among Dental Students

Epidemiological studies have shown that the worldwide trend of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced oral cancer has increased. Dentistry students need comprehensive information about HPV to provide accurate advice to their patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students' knowledge and awareness about HPV. A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was applied to 318 students (100 3rd grade, 119 4th grade, and 99 5th grades), who were studying at XXX. In this survey, students' knowledge level and awareness were examined. In our study, 99 (31.0%) of the participants were male and 219 (68.9%) were female. There was a statistically significant difference between the classes in terms of participation rates in the statement "Some types of HPV cause oral cancer (p, 0.000; p < 0.05). The rate of participation of third grade (72%) students in this proposition was significantly lower than 4th grade (89.9%) and 5th grade (84.8%) students (p1, 0.000; p2, 0.000; p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between 4th and 5th grade students (p > 0.05). Overall, advanced students showed better knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding human papillomavirus-related oral cancer. Comprehensive training and motivation for improving dentistry students' awareness against HPV-induced oral cancer will also improve knowledge and attitudes of the dental students.

[Level of knowledge about oral cancer in dental students of the Universidad Científica del Sur]

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about oral cancer of third, fourth- and fifth-year students of dentistry at the Cientifica del Sur University in 2020.

Materials and methods

A questionnaire on knowledge of oral cancer was carried out in 166 students in the third, fourth and fifth year of dentistry. This questionnaire consisted of 24 multiple-choice questions about epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

Results

A significant association was found between the level of knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of oral cancer and the year of study.

Conclusion

Third-year students had the highest percentage in relation to the level of knowledge about etiopathogenesis.

Elevating dental training to prioritize prevention efforts for reducing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer incidence

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are commonly recognized in the United States with associations to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx; the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in the United States is on the rise.¹ The aims of this scoping review were to examine the curricula of pre-doctoral dental students with respect to dental students: (1) awareness of the connection between OPC and HPV; (2) readiness to screen for OPC; and (3) ability to deliver patient education about OPC and its relation to HPV. We also codified published educational materials related to OPC and HPV for pre-doctoral dental students. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO), and Dissertation Abstracts-ProQuest. After screening titles and abstracts, we selected 36 articles for full text review. Only articles reporting pre-doctoral dental training in HPV and OPC were included in the review, which resulted in 15 articles being excluded from the study. Only two studies in this review specifically discussed a curriculum that would involve educating dental students on HPV-related OPC. This scoping review also found that the majority of existing training opportunities for OPC and HPV are through post-graduate continuing education. To address these deficiencies, competencies regarding the HPV-OPC connection should be included within pre-doctoral dental training programs. As such, we identified four key strategies for advancing HPV-OPC content within pre-doctoral dental training curricula.

HPV Knowledge and Attitudes Among Medical and Professional Students at a Nevada University: A Focus on Oropharyngeal Cancer and Mandating the Vaccine

Medical professionals and students often feel as if they do not have enough understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in order to recommend or obtain vaccination themselves. A 25-question online survey regarding knowledge and attitudes about the HPV vaccine was distributed among professional students, including all classes of medical students, at a Nevada university. First- and second-year medical students were administered the same survey 1 week after a new vaccine workshop. One third of respondents were aware of the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer, and 63% believed that the HPV vaccine should be mandatory. Reported full vaccination status (OR = 2.63 compared with no vaccination, 95% CI = 1.53, 4.53), awareness of the link to oropharyngeal cancer (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.29), and female sex (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.00, 2.70) positively predicted whether a student believed the HPV vaccine should be mandatory. After an interactive workshop, first- and second-year medical students improved on HPV knowledge questions, comfort in HPV vaccine counseling, and having enough information to counsel on the HPV vaccine. Post-test knowledge scores surpassed those of current third- and fourth-year medical students, who never underwent such curriculum. Medical, physician assistant, graduate, and undergraduate students lack HPV knowledge, with a low percentage aware of oropharyngeal cancer as a result of HPV infection. An interactive curriculum implemented for first- and second-year medical students improved knowledge and comfort in counseling on HPV vaccination.