HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION AND INFECTION CONTROL IN BRAZILIAN DENTAL PRACTICE, 1990

The aims of the study were to examine the knowledge of occupational hazards from blood-borne viruses, and practices related to cross-infection control in Brazil, by a survey of 947 Brazilian dental practitioners at a National Dental Congress in January 1990. Over 80% were aware that hepatitis B virus can be present in the oral cavity and constitutes an occupational hazard but their perceptions as to the hazards from other agents were at variance with the published evidence. Over 75% were aware of the existence of vaccines against hepatitis B virus but less than 60% appreciated the possible long-term hepatic sequelae of hepatitis B virus infection and, less than 40% were aware of the oncogenic potential. Less than 10% had been immunized against hepatitis B and only a further 30% intended to be vaccinated. Autoclaves were used by less than 10%: most appeared to use chemical means for disinfection of dental instruments. These results indicate the urgent need for a campaign to improve infection control procedures in Brazilian dental practice.