Acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine by Rhode Island dental practitioners

A questionnaire survey of 575 dentists practicing in Rhode Island in March 1983 disclosed minimal acceptance of the hepatitis B vaccine. A total of 162 practicing dentists returned the questionnaire; only 23 general practitioners and nine specialists had received the first of the three required doses of the vaccine. The most frequently stated reasons for not receiving the vaccine were that the dentists were concerned about potential long-term side effects, including AIDS and Guillain-Barre syndrome, and wanted further information about the vaccine. It appears that a more intensive professional education program is needed if dental practitioners are to accept hepatitis B vaccine.