General dental paractitioners awareness of the guidelines about post-exposure procedures relating to Hepatitis and HIV

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate awareness of general dental practitioners (GDP) in Iran about the post-exposure management of hepatitis and HIV.

Methodology: A randomly selected sample of 136 registered GDPs who were practicing dentistry in Khorasan (Iran) completed the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS 11.5 Software and One way test and Student t-test for parametric data and Chi-square tests for non-parametric data.

Results: The average score was 11.8% showing the low level of awareness among GDP in Iran. The awareness level was higher in relatively more experienced GDPs. The age group between 25 and 34 years had the highest knowledge. Awareness of the participating GDPs about HBV was of higher level than that related to AIDS and HCV.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant lack of awareness among GDPs in Khorasan about post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV. An educational program focusing attention on post exposure management of hepatitis and HIV for GDPs is needed.