Dentists' preparedness for responding to bioterrorism: A survey of Hawaii dentists.
BACKGROUND
The authors conducted a survey of dentists in Hawaii to assess their knowledge of, perceived readiness for and willingness to respond to bioterrorist (BT) events.


METHODS
Using a cross-sectional study design to access a random sample (n = 240) of all licensed dentists residing in the state of Hawaii (N = 1,016), the authors mailed study participants an anonymous survey up to three times during June and July 2004. Knowledge-based questions were taken from accredited Internet-based free continuing medical education offerings.


RESULTS
Of 234 deliverable surveys, 133 were returned (response rate of 56.8 percent). Only 2.3 percent of respondents reported having received prior BT preparedness training. A total of 14.5 percent felt able to identify and recognize a BT event, and 9.2 percent indicated they were able to respond effectively to a BT attack. A total of 73.8 percent expressed willingness to provide assistance to the state in the event of a BT attack. Dentists scored a mean of 62 percent correct (5.6 of nine questions) on the objective knowledge-based questions.


CONCLUSIONS
A low prevalence of prior training coupled with a high degree of willingness to provide assistance indicates the need for additional BT preparedness training. This should be provided as continuing education offerings to practicing dentists and incorporated into the dental school curriculum.


CONCLUSIONS
Dentists have the basic knowledge and experience to perform a number of key roles in a BT event; however, additional training must be provided to develop BT preparedness competencies.
Katz
Alan R
AR
Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology, John A. Bums School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Biomedical Sciences Building, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA. katz@hawaii.edu
Nekorchuk
Dawn M
DM
Holck
Peter S
PS
Hendrickson
Lisa A
LA
Imrie
Allison A
AA
Effler
Paul V
PV
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003815:Dentists / Q000592:standards; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024382:Professional Role; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric