Abstract
A fact-finding survey was conducted with the cooperation of members of the Japan Dental Association to investigate the behavior of dentists in a bid to prevent viral hepatitis C in clinical settings of dental practice. Questionnaires retrieved by mail from 1, 617 randomly-chosen dentists who had given dental care to known hepatitis C virus carriers were analyzed. Most of the dentists maintained the discipline of pre- and post-treatment hand/nail scrubbing with soap and disinfectants. However, 53% were accustomed to dry scrubbing of hands with a cloth towel. An overwhelming majority (96.6%) of the dentists wore gloves while performing dental care, whereas as many as 3.4% did not. A mask and protective spectacles were worn by 98% and 70%, respectively. More than 90% of wastes contaminated or suspected to be contaminated with infectious agents were disposed of separately as infected wastes. The results of the survey indicated that dentists health behavior for the prevention of viral hepatitis C is generally satisfactory, however, also showed some points to be improved. Continued enlightening of dental healthcare professionals on the prevention of infection, and improvement of the social infrastructure are needed.
