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Correlates of infection control practices in dentistry
R R Gershon1, C Karkashian, D Vlahov
1Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
American Journal of Infection Control
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Maryland dentists show improved compliance with infection control practices, including those for bloodborne pathogens. Attitudes toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and safety program management correlate with safer work practices.
Area of Science:
- Dental infection control
- Public health dentistry
- Epidemiology of infectious diseases
Background:
- Early AIDS epidemic studies revealed suboptimal infection control compliance among dentists.
- Dentists' work practices to reduce bloodborne pathogen exposure were often inadequate.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess current infection control compliance rates among Maryland dentists.
- Identify factors associated with safe work practices in dental settings.
Main Methods:
- A confidential, self-administered questionnaire was used to survey dentists.
- Data were collected from a sample of 648 Maryland dentists.
Main Results:
- A 60% response rate was achieved with 392 returned questionnaires.
- Infection control practices among responding dentists were variable.
- Positive attitudes toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and robust safety program management were significantly correlated with better practices.
Conclusions:
- Recommended infection control practices are increasingly adopted by Maryland dentists.
- Attitudes and practice management are key modifiable factors for enhancing dental infection control.
- Further strategies can build upon current improvements in dental safety protocols.
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