Infection control practices of Minnesota dentists: changes during 1 year.

In 1986, a survey of all licensed Minnesota dentists (N = 2,752) was conducted to determine current infection control practices. In 1987, the survey was repeated with a 45% random sample of all Minnesota dentists (N = 1,357) to monitor changes in such practices during 1 year. The findings indicate that dentists made dramatic changes in their routine use of barrier techniques and also, that rates of vaccination against hepatitis B increased decidedly. Younger dentists had higher vaccination rates and use of routine barrier techniques. Although dentists' reluctance to treat patients with AIDS decreased in frequency, some dentists still refuse to treat these patients. However, a substantial majority will treat patients with other infectious diseases.