Hepatitis C: incidence and knowledge among Brazilian dentists
Takahama, A.Junior.; Tatsch, F.; Tannus, G.; Lopes, Márcio.Ajudarte.
Community Dental Health 22(3): 184-187
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0265-539X PMID: 16161884 Document Number: 592798
Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of Hepatitis C among dentists from the city of Piracicaba-SP--Brazil, and also to analyse the knowledge of this disease among these health care workers. Design: Two hundred and sixty-seven dentists completed a questionnaire and supplied a sample of blood for serologic testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Results: Only one participant was positive for HCV, representing 0.4% of total. There was a lack of knowledge of this disease among dentists. Conclusions: There is an occupational risk of infection for HCV in dentistry and there is a need to make professionals aware of it.