Should You be Afraid of the Dentist? Influenza Immunization among Dentists in New York State

In July 2013, the New York State Department of Health passed a regulation requiring that all personnel working in healthcare facilities be vaccinated against influenza or wear a protective mask. This law, however, did not include dental professionals working outside of healthcare settings, such as in a private dental office. It can be argued that dentists are at even higher risk for contracting the flu because they are in close contact with aerosolized particles. With this in mind, a survey was created for members of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) to assess the number of dentists voluntarily receiving the annual influenza vaccine, as well as office hygiene practices and attitudes towards mandates of the vaccine. The results indicated that NYSDA dentists do not regularly receive the annual influenza vaccine, nor do they always wear barrier masks while in the presence of patients. Dentists can reduce their role as a nidus for influenza by receiving the influenza vaccine and encouraging staff members to follow suit.