2023 Volume 64 Issue 3 Pages 150-151
We conducted surveys to assess the hepatitis B (HB) vaccination status of dentists. From 2020 to 2022, 1,033 members of dental associations in Aichi and Hiroshima prefectures were questioned regarding their HB vaccination status. The respondents were determined to have been properly vaccinated if they had received three or more doses of vaccine or had been vaccinated but their hepatitis B surface antibody titers had not increased. Of the respondents, 20.6% (213/1,033) had undergone appropriate vaccination, 34.8% (360/1,033) were unvaccinated, and 42.8% (442/1,033) had received two doses. In dentistry, there are several opportunities for exposure to saliva and blood and needlestick accidents may occur. Dental professionals will be made aware of the HB immunization schedule using precise infection control procedures.
