AUTHOR(S): Dr. Sailee P Patankar, Dr. Puttaswamy B and Dr. Lt Col Satish R Chandar

ABSTRACT:As Hepatitis B(HBV) is the most important type of viral hepatitis easily transmitted in dental settings, this cross-sectional study conducted among 500 interns from 12 dental colleges of Karnataka, India to assess the vaccination status, knowledge, attitude, practices regarding HBV using a 35 – item structured questionnaire. Of the 500 students only 71.6% had completed the Hepatitis B immunization schedule. Knowledge level regarding carrier rate, the incubation period, clinical features and transmission was low. Although 66.2% agreed that professionals have a moral duty to treat HBV infected patients only 57.4% students showed willingness to treat them. The practices followed were noted to be inadequate to prevent transmission, with only 61% students using gloves, 72.8% using face masks and 1.6% using protective eyewear routinely. A total of 73.5% said there is a need for practical application based teaching of HBV prior to entering the clinical years. Hence, a revision of curriculum with emphasis on vaccination and infection control against HBV is recommended.

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