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Hepatitis B virus infections among Danish dentists
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Dentists are not a high-risk group for hepatitis B. A study found no dentists with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and the prevalence of antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) was similar to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B is considered an occupational risk for dental professionals.
- Previous studies suggested dentists may have an increased risk of hepatitis B infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among Danish dentists.
- To determine if dentists represent a high-risk group for hepatitis B.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies (anti-HBs).
- 1,338 dentists attending the 1976 Danish Dental Association meeting participated.
- Data included questionnaires and serological testing.
Main Results:
- None of the participating dentists tested positive for HBsAg.
- 8.2% of dentists had anti-HBs, indicating past exposure.
- Anti-HBs prevalence increased with age but was comparable to control populations.
Conclusions:
- Dentists do not appear to be a high-risk group for hepatitis B infection.
- Hepatitis B infections were more common during professional practice than during dental school.
- The findings suggest occupational exposure risk for hepatitis B in dentists is low.