equipment and know-how for cold chain,” says Dr. Darichuk. Cold chain is a set of rules and procedures that ensure the proper transportation and storage of vaccines that must be kept at a low temperature to maintain their potency. Dr. Darichuk says that HPV vaccination administered by dentists is not only appropriate because infection can have consequences for the mouth, head and neck, but that the demographics of dental patients are well-matched with those who can benefit most from the vaccine. “We want to have people vaccinated before they are exposed to HPV,” he says. “Vaccinating young people and teens makes sense.” What other vaccines might be appropriate for the scope of dentistry? “Shingles vaccine, because you can get shingles of the trigeminal nerve,” says Dr. Darichuk. “Hopefully, there will be a herpes simplex vaccine in the coming years. If a disease has oral manifestations or infection occurs in the mouth or is transmitted by saliva, preventing that disease fits under our purview.” Each province and territory has legislation that defines the scope of dentistry and their own regulatory requirements. “In Alberta, we have dual coverage in that we have specific authorization to administer a vaccine, but we also have more broad authorization to administer a drug below the dermis,” says Dr. Darichuk. He hopes other provinces and territories will choose to follow Alberta’s example. “As dentists, we have the skills and knowledge to do these procedures, and it provides easy access to care for patients that will keep them healthier.” Dr. Darichuk believes that educating patients about HPV is a good first step for dental teams. “Having signs posted in your office about HPV, providing pamphlets about the benefits of HPV vaccination, and having conversations with patients are all important,” he says. For dentists in Alberta who can administer the vaccine, he says making patients aware that the vaccine is available from their dentist is like introducing any new service. “Then it’s shoulder up and arm prepped, a quick history and you can administer the vaccine,” he says. As dentists, we have the skills and knowledge to do these procedures, and it provides easy access to care for patients that will keep them healthier. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) include a family of viruses transmitted via skin-toskin contact that are associated with several different diseases including warts that affect feet, hands, genitals or oral cavities. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada and worldwide. An estimated 75% of Canadians will be infected with HPV during their lifetime, though most infections will be fought successfully by a healthy immune system. A small number of HPV strains are associated with cervical, anogenital, throat or mouth cancers.In Canada,three vaccines are available to help prevent HPV infection, including the virus strains that cause 70% of cancers and 90% warts, according to Health Canada. Along with HPV vaccination, Pap tests—diagnostic procedures that screen for cervical cancer— have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer associated with HPV significantly over the past 30 years. “In 2015, HPV-associated oral pharyngeal cancers became the most common HPVassociated cancers,” says Dr. Darichuk. “And if you look more broadly, head and neck cancers related to HPV outnumber cervical cancers, and rates are increasing every year. It’s a silent and growing epidemic.” Did you Know? Watch Dr. Darichuk’s full conversation about HPV vaccinations on CDA Oasis: bit.ly/42qDRyt 38 | 2023 | Issue 3 SupportingYour Practice
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