Hepatitis B prevalence and infection control among dental health care workers in a community in South Korea

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B vaccine and use of infection control procedures by dental health care workers in Taegu, South Korea. Methods: Information was obtained with a mailed questionnaire sent to 300 private dental practices. Surveys were received from 177 dentists, 104 dental hygienists, and 46 dental assistants. All dental health care workers were asked to donate a blood sample for analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs). Results: Vaccination against hepatitis B virus was reported by 63 percent of the respondents. About 40 percent of all participants answered that they were anti-HBs positive, while another 43 percent did not know their status. About 89 percent of dentists reported that they wore a mask with all patients, while hygienists (13.6%) and assistants (13.0%) were less likely to do so. Reported use of gloves (4.5%) and protective eyewear (14%) with all patients was extremely low in every group. Among the 56 dentists who were tested for HBV markers, 23 did not receive the vaccine against hepatitis B, and 13 percent (3 of 23) were positive for HBsAg as carriers. Conclusions: About 37 percent (120 of 327) of dental health care workers surveyed in this study in Korea did not receive the vaccine against HBV infection. Basic barrier techniques to prevent cross-contamination were not being used consistently. Nationwide guidelines for barrier techniques and hepatitis vaccinations should be developed and disseminated to dental personnel.