Treatment aspects for patients with infectious diseases in dental practices--results of a survey

Abstract

Aims: The dental treatment of patients with infectious diseases can pose certain problems and irritations not only for the dental team but also for other patients. In this study, a large number of patients were questioned to obtain a spectrum of opinions about problems associated with patients with infectious diseases in dental practices.

Methods: An especially formulated questionnaire for five selected infectious diseases (HIV infection, hepatitis A, B, and C and tuberculosis) has been distributed amongst 1,100 dental patients (statistical analysis: univariable and bivariable frequencies, contingency table, Wilcoxon text, Fisher text; error probability =<5 %). The participants were to provide statements about their knowledge of the different infectious diseases and the transmission methods as well as their personal ideas about the contact with infected patients. A further set of questions dealt with aspects of the fear of contracting an infection and with the resulting consequences such as the situation for patients in the waiting room, hygiene practices in the dental office, the course of dental treatments and the trust placed in the dentist.

Results: The return rate was 61.7%. 53% of the participants were female and 47% were male with the age ranging from 14 years to over 60 years. The degree of knowledge of the selected infectious diseases showed somewhat marked differences (HIV infection 96%, hepatitis A 77%, hepatitis B 83.8%, hepatitis C 68.0%, tuberculosis 91.5%). Significant correlations could be made between the knowledge about means of transmission and the level of education. 41.4% of the participants indicated a high fear of an HIV infection, followed by tuberculosis (28.0%) and hepatitis C (18.6%). 8.4% of the participants were in favor of a separate waiting room for HIV patients, the number for hepatitis ranged between 11.6% and 15.2% and was 55.1% for tuberculosis. 17.2% of the participants were afraid of contracting an infection at a dental office. The opinion that infected patients should be treated in a dental clinic was significantly higher amongst participants with a lower level of education. 46.1% of the participants believed that their dentist had enough knowledge about infectious diseases, 17.8% were of the opposite opinion. A total of 76.7% of the participants was open to a personal discussion with their dentist about subjects relevant to infectious diseases. -

Conclusions: It could be noted conclusively that the statements made by the participants showed a number of uncertainties and differences, which can indicate a lack of information about infectious diseases as well as in the confidence placed in the competence of the dentists.