Course Description: Head and Neck Cancers and HPV

This course provides an in-depth exploration of head and neck cancers, with a focus on the emerging significance of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in these malignancies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical sites commonly affected by these cancers, the prevalence and impact of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the critical role of early detection and prevention in improving patient outcomes. The course will also cover the importance of HPV vaccination in cancer prevention and the role of oral health practitioners in educating and advocating for vaccination.

Additionally, this one-hour course will provide an overview of the basics of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as it applies to vaccine hesitancy, with a focus on the HPV vaccine. Participants will review contrasting approaches to vaccine conversations, as well as specific MI-adherent questions, responses, and prompts that dental providers can use to have collaborative discussions that build vaccine confidence.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and Describe Head and Neck Cancer Sites
• Understand Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
• Evaluate the Importance of Early Detection
• Explore the Role of HPV in Cancer Development
• Promote HPV Vaccination as a Prevention Strategy
• Develop Skills for Early Detection and Patient Communication
• Champion Cancer Prevention
• Apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) to Vaccine Conversations

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to play a pivotal role in the prevention, early detection, and patient education regarding head and neck cancers and HPV, and will be able to utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques to effectively address vaccine hesitancy.

Professor Lyndie Foster Page

BSc, BDS, MComDent, PhD (Otago)

Division Head Dental Public Health

OHSU School of Dentistry

 Dr. Lyndie Foster Page commenced her career in general dental practice in New Zealand, before completing her dental specialist training and PhD, working and researching for the last 15 years in dental public health in the community. Much of her clinical research has been in the field of oral health inequalities and improving oral health outcomes for communities. More recently this has been in preventing oral cancer in rural Oregon. She joined OHSU in October 2022 as the Division Head of Dental Public Health.

Carrie Bader (she/her), MPH, MOT, CHES

First attended an MI training in 2007 and has been a dedicated student of MI ever since. She is a health educator and occupational therapist, and is a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Carrie has presented at conferences, healthcare settings, and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of professionals, including front-line staff, clinical staff, administrators, and leadership. She has provided training to hundreds of people in settings that include: Health Care, Behavioral Health, Addictions, Local and State Government, Community-Based Organizations, Law Enforcement, Schools/Universities.

Oregon Health & Science University is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.