[Hepatitis B risk in dental personnel]

Dependent on the profession, medical personal is at different risk of hepatitis B infection. 505 staff members of 48 Berlin dental clinics were investigated for hepatitis B virus markers and demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of HBsAg and its antibody than other hospital personal: anti-HBs positivity (EIA) was found in only 5.5 per cent of them (dental technicians: 1.6%, dental assistants: 3.8%, dentists: 8.0%). We conclude that in the GDR dental staff is not at higher risk of hepatitis B infection than other non-risk medical personal. Legal aspects of insurance and measures for hygienic prevention in dental practice are discussed.