

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of nearly two hundred different strains of viruses with most being harmless and not cancer causing. It’s the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), and it can be present for many years before transitioning into cancer. More difficult to detect than tobacco and alcohol-related oral cancers which usually occur in older patients, HPV related cancers affect young adults. Oral cancer caused by HPV is very serious, and most patients aren’t even diagnosed until they present with symptoms because the symptoms are often painless and subtle. Therefore, physicians are requesting the assistance of the dental profession with detecting and diagnosing HPV related oral cancer.
HPV is the leading cause of oropharyngeal (tonsils and base of the tongue) cancer. The location of these cancers makes the dental team invaluable, and their role is two-fold. First, it’s important to perform an oral cancer screening at each recall appointment. Second, it’s crucial to talk with the patient (if over 18 years of age) or parent to inquire if the three-dose HPV vaccination series has been administered. The vaccination series is recommended for patients ages nine to twenty-six, and The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that males and females receive the first injection of the series between the ages of eleven and twelve. This timing coincides with tetanus and meningitis vaccinations.
A less awkward way to begin the discussion of HPV related oral cancers is to ask the patient or parent if they see their doctor for regular exams and if they’re current on their vaccinations. Furthermore, ask if their vaccination series includes the HPV prevention injections. The conversation can be approached while performing an oral cancer exam. Explain that the exam is to look and feel for any lumps or lesions because HPV is the leading cause of oral cancer.
While there is a lot of information concerning HPV and the vaccine, some of it’s negative concerning the side effects, and this puts the likelihood of getting vaccinated in jeopardy. Direct the patient to legitimate websites such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There are also reputable pamphlets that can be handed out to patients.
In part two of this blog, we’ll discuss the difficulty in diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments of HPV related oral cancer.
Microcopy
P.O. Box 2017
Kennesaw, Ga 30156-9017
P: 800.235.1863
F: 770.423.4996
011M (Ball) 25 Pack
QTY: 2
X
$97.00
011M (Ball) 25 Pack
QTY: 2
X
$97.00
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
SPECIAL EXPORT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
RETURNS POLICY
Microcopy will accept returns from US and Canada direct customers once an approved Return Authorization number has been recorded. All returns older than 1 year will require a 15% restocking charge. No returns will be accepted after 3 years from original ship date. All shipment of goods outside of the continental US is final.
REMOVE
0110M (1)
Medium Grit
25/PK
$48.50
Reference F/G | 801-018 |
Head Diameter | 1.8 mm |
Head Length | 1.6 mm |
Overall Length | 19.2 mm |
Reference F/G
801-018
Head Diameter
1.8 mm
Head Length
1.6 mm
Overall Length
19.2 mm
No other grits offered for this shape
REMOVE
0112M (2)
Medium Grit
25/PK
$48.50
Reference F/G | 801-018 |
Head Diameter | 1.8 mm |
Head Length | 1.6 mm |
Overall Length | 19.2 mm |
Reference F/G
801-018
Head Diameter
1.8 mm
Head Length
1.6 mm
Overall Length
19.2 mm
No other grits offered for this shape
REMOVE
0116C (4)
Coarse Grit
25/PK
$48.50
Reference F/G | 801-018 |
Head Diameter | 1.8 mm |
Head Length | 1.6 mm |
Overall Length | 19.2 mm |
Reference F/G
801-018
Head Diameter
1.8 mm
Head Length
1.6 mm
Overall Length
19.2 mm
Medium (0116M)
Bridge/Operative
Ball
Beveled Cylinder
Dbl Inverted Cone
Egg
End Cutter
Flame
Flat End Cylinder
Flat End Taper
Mod. Flat End Cylinder
Interproximal
Football
Gross Reduction
Inverted Cone
Mod. Bevedled Cylinder
Mod. Flat End Taper
Occlusal Reduction
Pear
Occlusal Reduction
Depth Cutter
Endo
End Cutting
Finishing
Guide-Pin
NeoSpiral
0110M (1)
Medium Grit
25/pk
$48.50