Changing dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relating to AIDS: a controlled educational intervention

Abstract

The efficacy of an educational intervention designed to improve dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was tested. The intervention had three components: computerized feedback comparing participants' own knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with those of fellow participants and with an ideal; periodic bulletins; and telephone conference calls with experts. The group receiving the educational package had better scores than a control group on outcomes of willingness to treat persons with AIDS; identification of human immunodeficiency virus lesions; knowledge of AIDS; and completeness of both intraoral and extraoral examinations. It was concluded that intervention is one approach to increasing dentists' positive response to the AIDS epidemic.