Westchester Oral Surgery March 2019

Should Dental Professionals Do More to Screen for HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. There are an estimated 14 million new cases each year. Fortunately, most cases of HPV are fought by the body’s immune system before they cause health problems. However, some strains of HPV affect the mouth and throat and can become associated with certain oral cancers. The Centers for Disease Control reports that HPV is associated with 9,000 cases of head and neck cancers in the United States each year. Much like with cases of sleep apnea, dental professionals are in a unique position to identify possible cases of oral human papillomavirus long before the patient’s primary physician has an opportunity to screen for the illness. However, due to the sensitive nature of HPV, many question whether it is a dentist’s “place” to screen for such things. A study published in the February 2019 edition of The Journal for the American Dental Association looked into the feasibility and acceptance of HPV detection in the dental office. The study, conducted with the practices of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, evaluated responses from patients

and practitioners regarding screening and testing procedures for HPV. The results showed that 85 percent of patients were “comfortable being asked about their cigarette use and their sexual behavior.” Over 90 percent of the practitioners who responded stated they were “comfortable with study procedures except the extra time required for patient participation.” These results suggest that patients would not be averse to appropriate HPV screenings as part of regular dental visits, but they do not address the advisability of such routine screenings. There are some resources available to dental professionals to screen for HPV in- office, but there is still a distinct lack of training and protocol that would empower dentists to successfully address the risks of HPV with their patients. As the threat of HPV and oral cancers continues to rise, it may become necessary for dentists to take a more active role in screening for HPV. In order for this to happen, it’s clear there needs to be more information and training about HPV for dental professionals, so they can better serve their patients and care for their overall oral health.

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Asparagus and Avocado Soup

INGREDIENTS This hearty soup is the perfect meal for those late winter days when you think spring will never come. It can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken stock. DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F.

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12 ounces asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil

2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss asparagus and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes. 3. Transfer asparagus to blender. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.

2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

2 cups chicken stock

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

4. Season to taste and serve.

Inspired by CookEatPaleo.com Westchester Office • 914-251-0313

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