title: Survey of knowledge of infectious disease and infection control practices of dental specialists.
abstract: A questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge of clinical specialists regarding infectious disease as well as their infection control practices. The questionnaire was mailed to 202 dental specialists in British Columbia. Seventy per cent returned completed surveys. Their responses indicate that the mechanisms, route and risk of transmission of the viral pathogens of importance in dental practice are not clearly understood. However, infection control practices closely follow the guidelines set forth by the Canadian Dental Association and the licensing bodies, including immunization for hepatitis B (82 per cent), glove use (in 89 per cent of non-surgical and 95 per cent of surgical procedures), and sterilization/disinfection of dental handpieces (94 per cent). Compliance with infection control guidelines was similar to that reported in the United States, where strict enforcement has been instituted. The majority of dental specialists (84-88 per cent) were either treating or willing to provide treatment to patients with infectious disease. Continuing education in the area of infectious disease is needed to improve dentists' understanding of the risk of transmission to dental providers and patients. This will ensure that compliance with infection control recommendations and appropriate patient care practices continue.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral Medicine, Clinical Dentistry, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, British Columbia.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Mathias
authors.forename: D V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Bridger
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001955:British Columbia; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013242:Sterilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016635:Universal Precautions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000635:transmission