Barrier techniques to infection: a national survey of pediatric dentists.
Pediatric dentists are at increasing risk of exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted to describe pediatric dentists' use of barrier techniques and infection-control procedures and to identify factors that might impede their use. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 1581 practicing pediatric dentists. Seven hundred fifty-two completed questionnaires were returned. Results showed that 95.3% of the respondents have changed some aspect of infection control during the past two years; 85.9% routinely wear gloves; 77.9% routinely wear protective glasses; and 45.6% routinely wear facemasks. Results also highlighted several problems created by the use of gloves and facemasks.
Chenoweth
N
N
UMKC School of Dentistry, Kansas City, MO.
Mayberry
W
W
Tishk
M
M
McGlynn
F D
FD
Scott
L
L
D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires