Vaccinations are crucial for preventing transmissible diseases, and there is a growing recognition of the potential role that dentists can play in this public health effort. This study aims to assess patient attitudes toward dentists administering vaccines for COVID-19, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) through a series of validated surveys. In 2022, this research was initiated by developing and validating a survey instrument focused on understanding the perspectives of adults aged 18-45 regarding their dentist’s involvement in COVID-19 and HPV vaccination efforts. The results showed strong patient acceptance of dentists' roles in these areas, so new surveys were developed to target different demographics.

Adolescent attitudes on COVID-19 and HPV Vaccine explores the perspectives of children who are beginning to make more autonomous health decisions. Adult attitudes on HPV and HSV Vaccines focuses on the emerging role of dentists in administering an HSV vaccine, which is currently under development and a topic that has not been previously investigated in the context of dental practice. Parents of adolescents responded to a survey about HPV and its vaccine, which aimed to assess their understanding of HPV and the role of dentists in vaccine administration.

The results across all studies underscore the public's openness to dentists playing a role in vaccination efforts. Expanding the role of dentists to include vaccine education and administration could significantly enhance public health outcomes by improving access to care and increasing vaccine uptake. This research has contributed to our understanding of how integrating dentists could bridge critical knowledge gaps and support disease prevention on a broader scale.