[Epidemiological study on hepatitis morbidity in dental personnel on the model of the Erlangen university dental clinic].

1. The dentist and staff are exposed to nearly double the risk of hepatitis than the population in general. The risk of infection rises with proved contact with hepatitis patients. 2. About 60% of dental personnel suffers subclinical infections. A subclinically infected person is a source of infection for his patients. 3. The chief source of infection is blood contact. In comparisons with the practitioner with mixed dental practice, the surgically active dentist is exposed to three or four times the infection risk. 4. Serological determination of hepatitis antibodies makes it possible to demonstrate subclinical infections. 5. Consistent prophylaxis against infection is required. After proved contact with a hepatitis patient, infection can be prevented by timely treatment with hyperimmune serum.