Infection control practices of Minnesota dentists: changes during 1 year

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infection Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Dental professionals are crucial in preventing disease transmission.
• Understanding infection control practices is vital for patient safety.
• Monitoring changes in dental practice is essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current infection control practices among Minnesota dentists in 1986.
• To monitor changes in these practices one year later (1987).
• To evaluate vaccination rates and attitudes towards treating patients with infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

• A statewide survey of licensed dentists in Minnesota was conducted in 1986 (N=2,752).
• The survey was repeated in 1987 using a random sample (N=1,357) to track changes.
• Data collected included barrier techniques, hepatitis B vaccination, and willingness to treat specific patient groups.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in routine barrier technique use were observed between 1986 and 1987.
• Hepatitis B vaccination rates among dentists increased substantially.
• Younger dentists demonstrated higher rates of vaccination and barrier technique use.
• While reluctance to treat patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) decreased, it persisted in some cases.
• A large majority of dentists were willing to treat patients with other infectious diseases.

Conclusions:

• Minnesota dentists rapidly adopted improved infection control measures, including barrier techniques and hepatitis B vaccination.
• Demographic factors, such as age, influenced the adoption of these practices.
• Attitudes towards treating patients with infectious diseases, including AIDS, showed some improvement but require further attention.