Patients' perceptions related to the use of infection control procedures

An assessment was made of the public's attitudes toward infection control techniques utilized in dentistry. Five hundred and nine adults in the State of Maryland responded to a detailed telephone survey in late 1989. Respondents reported that most of their dentists (87.0%) wore gloves and 69.8% of the respondents preferred gloves. Respondents who were most concerned about AIDS also preferred the dentist to wear gloves (92.6%). Respondents received information about AIDS from various sources, chief of which were newspapers or magazines (29.0%) and television (27.3%) but 80.9% would read pamphlets on AIDS if they were available in the dentist's office. Finally, few (13.1%) had ever discussed AIDS with their dentist but most (78.6%) would be comfortable doing so. This study demonstrated that the public accepts and welcomes the use of barrier protection by dentists. The public also is willing to discuss AIDS and infectious diseases with dentists and would read AIDS information supplied by dentists. Given the continued spread of the AIDS epidemic, it is increasingly important for dentists to educate the public about AIDS as well as about the continued safety of the dental office. The public is receptive to this education.