title: HPV-positive head and neck cancers: a review of the literature.
abstract: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is rampant among young adults and is linked with cervical and oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). As the preventive arm of oral health care, dental hygienists can take the lead in educating the young adult population about risk factors for HPV and OPC. Dental hygienists' active involvement in educational initiatives may help minimize the spread of HPV associated STDs, prevent transmission of HPV to the head and neck region, and decrease the development of OPC.
authors.forename: Matilda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Minassian
mesh_terms: D052685:Alphapapillomavirus / Q000502:physiology*; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D006801:Humans; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: at-risk behaviors; dental hygienists; human papillomavirus; oropharyngeal cancer; risk factors; sexually transmitted diseases