title: HPV, oropharyngeal cancer, and the role of the dentist: a professional ethical approach.
abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an emerging risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, especially among younger patients, and must be thoughtfully addressed by the dental community. The professional ethical decision-making model first advanced by Ozar and Sokol for use by dentists at chairside (define the dilemma, assess the facts, identify and rank the alternatives, and choose a course of action) was modified to delineate clearly inputs, considerations, and feedback loops based on what is professionally and ethically at stake in advising patients. As the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer is established through scientific studies, the role of the dentist in primary and secondary prevention will be crucial. In the absence of definitive evidence, the professional ethical decision-making framework presented here allows dentists to systematically work through available alternatives. Ultimately, the role of the dentist is to use discretion in choosing a professional and ethical course of action for each patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA. men6@nyu.edu
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Northridge
authors.forename: Naila
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Manji
authors.forename: Romney T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Piamonte
authors.forename: Frederick G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: More
authors.forename: Ralph V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Katz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics; D003815:Dentists / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D024382:Professional Role; D055815:Young Adult