____________________________________________________________________________________

January 14, 2026 

12:00 PM CT 

Webinar:

From Awareness to Action: Increasing HPV Vaccine Referrals in Dental Settings

(Second in the Oral Health Series & Preventive Health) 

Sponsors- contact us at sponsorship@iomc.org for more information

Overview

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, responsible for over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). The HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers. Dental providers are uniquely positioned to address this public health concern through regular oral examinations, patient interactions during critical vaccination periods, and trusted relationships. However, many lack confidence discussing the HPV-cancer link and vaccine referral. This session shares findings from implementation research integrating HPV vaccine promotion into dental practice. Attendees will learn how dental teams successfully incorporate the "Educate, Recommend, Refer" approach into daily workflows, transforming routine dental visits into cancer prevention opportunities.

By attending this webinar, you will:

• Understand the epidemiology of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and the preventive role of HPV vaccination across healthcare settings.
• Recognize how interprofessional approaches can expand opportunities for HPV vaccine education and referrals beyond traditional medical settings.
• Identify strategies for strengthening collaborative networks to support comprehensive HPV vaccination efforts in your community.

Speaker

Jennifer Sukalski, PhD, MS, RDH

Assistant Professor, Preventive and Community Dentistry

University of Iowa 

Dr. Jennifer Sukalski is an Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics whose research centers on cancer prevention and oral health access. Her work addresses Iowa's distinction as having the nation's highest oropharyngeal cancer rate through two complementary research streams: implementing HPV vaccine promotion in dental settings through a CDC-funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) project and examining patient experiences during oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis and survivorship. As both a registered dental hygienist and researcher, she bridges clinical practice and implementation science to develop patient-centered interventions that improve cancer prevention and care delivery.

Upcoming Program

10th State of Health of Chicago- Biennial Convening- Interactive Panel Discussion - Eight Speakers.

More details and to Register>

Sponsorships Available - from $1000+. Support IOMC's mission! 

Send an email to: sponsorship@iomc.org for more details. 

* By attending this  webinar,  you are consenting to photos and videos that may be used in communications. 

**All substitutions must be of comparable level.