Hepatitis B virus: the risk to Australian dentists and dental health care workers

Abstract

A survey of 1088 Australian dentists and dental health care workers showed that 8.2 per cent of dentists in private practice, 16.8 per cent of hospital dentists, 2.0 per cent of chairside assistants, 4.1 per cent of dental technicians, and 6.1 per cent of dental students had serological evidence of prior hepatitis B infection manifested by the presence of hepatitis B core antibody. No carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen were detected. The 784 replies to a questionnaire showed that 11.2 per cent of dentists had one or more serological markers to hepatitis B virus (HBV), 7.6 per cent gave a history of overt hepatitis B infection, and 53 per cent had been vaccinated against HBV. Of the 196 non-vaccinated dentists, 47 per cent did noi desire to be blood tested. Continuing education of Australian dentists about the risk of infection with and the need for immunization against HBV is indicated.