Background: The objective of this study is to determine the influence of dental students’ knowledge and attitude
regarding human papillomavirus infection of cervical cancer on willingness to pay for vaccination. Basic research
design: A convenience sampling method was used. The minimal sample size of 136 was calculated using the Raosoft
calculator with a 5 % margin of error and 95% confidence level. Participants: The study population were all final
year dental students from the School of Dentistry. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure
knowledge levels and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus vaccination. Contingent valuation was conducted
for willingness to pay for vaccination. Main outcome measures: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has
stated that human papillomavirus are associated with oropharynx cancer and the American Dental Association insist on
expanding public awareness of the oncogenic potential of some HPV infections. Thus, as future dental practitioners,
dental students should be aware of human papillomavirus and their links with cancer and the benefits of vaccination.
Results: Knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer did not impact on attitudes towards vaccines. However, significant
correlation existed between knowledge and willingness to pay for vaccination. Conclusions: Dental students’ knowledge
on HPV and cervical cancer has no influence on their attitude towards HPV vaccines. However, their willingness to
pay for HPV vaccination is influenced by their knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.