Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part D (2022)

Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. It is considered as an important occupational hazard for dentists as they are at a greater risk of exposure to the virus from an infected patient. The present aim of the study is to evaluate knowledge, awareness and vaccination status on hepatitis B among dental students.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among dental students. The data was collected by a structured, self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed. The statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics.

Results: In this study, there were a total of 150 participants between 18-35 years of age. 64% of the students were aware about different modes of transmission of hepatitis B. 96.6% of the students were aware of hepatitis B vaccine but only 53.3% had the knowledge about vaccination dosing schedule for adults. 70.7% dental students were vaccinated whereas 18% students were non-vaccinated. Among those, 38.6% of the students were partially vaccinated.

Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness regarding Hepatitis B infection and its vaccination was satisfactory. Majority of the dental students were either fully or partially vaccinated. Therefore, the dental students must be encouraged to not only take the vaccination but also to complete their doses during their clinical practices.