Final year dental students' views on cross-infection precautions

This study was undertaken to determine the influence that undergraduate training currently has on the formation of clinical management strategies for minimizing cross-infection, among final year dental students. A 10-page questionnaire was sent to final year dental students attending 15 of the UK's 16 dental schools. A response rate of 60.5% was obtained. A large proportion of the students said they would be prepared to treat a known HBV carrier (90.4%) or HIV carrier (84.3%); a much higher proportion than has previously been found among qualified dental personnel. However, only 55.6% of the students agreed with current recommendations that they ought to adopt a universal cross-infection policy. Nevertheless, most students agreed with recommendations that they ought to wear gloves (96.6%), eye protection (84.3%) and a surgical mask (62.6%). Disparity between some responses suggested that some final year dental students might not have a fully thought out cross-infection strategy.