Public knowledge/perceptions about AIDS transmission: concerns about use of dental services

This telephone survey of 739 adults living in the State of Maryland (response rate 68.9%) examined the association between public perceptions and knowledge about the routes of transmission of AIDS, and concerns about contracting AIDS in a dental office and attitudes toward confidentiality of AIDS infected dentists and patients. The greatest areas of inaccuracies related to the risk of giving and receiving blood. Associations were demonstrated between public knowledge and concern about AIDS. Racial differences were found in both knowledge and concerns. Accurate dissemination of information to the public about AIDS is essential for the maintenance of public confidence and trust in the safety of dental offices and dental treatment.