title: [The influence of professional degree on the knowledge of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in dentistry practice].
abstract: The knowledge and preventive practices toward the risk of infection with HIV, HBV and HCV were evaluated in a sample of 254 dentists and odontostomatologies in Palermo, by answering to an anonymous questionnaire sent by mail. Overall, most of the participants showed a good knowledge of the transmission pattern of blood-borne viruses as well as good practice for personal hygiene (washing of hands, routine use of gloves, etc.). However 80.8% answered to recap needles after use and more than 40% have had at least one needle injury during the last year in their occupational setting. Moreover, nearly 24% of the interviewed declared to have not made vaccination against Hepatitis B virus infection. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between better knowledge, safer practice and different teaching training suggesting that odontostomatology degree might be more appropriate for a better training in preventive medicine for blood borne pathogens. Data also suggest the need of continuous worker education to reduce occupational blood exposures in dentistry.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Igiene e Microbiologia--Sezione Igiene, Università degli Studi di Palermo. fvitale@igiene.unipa.it
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Di Benedetto
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casuccio
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Firenze
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Calandra
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ballarò
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Romano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003813:Dentistry; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012306:Risk; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires