The prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers in dental personnel.

There is a need to assess the risk to members of the dental profession in the U.K. of acquiring hepatitis B from patients. Towards this end a study was performed in order to determine the degree of carriage of serological markers of hepatitis B in a sample of dental workers in and around Edinburgh. Of a total of 88 persons tested only one, a dental assistant, was positive. She had evidence of past infection but did not give a history of previous jaundice. We conclude that in the Edinburgh area the risk of dental personnel acquiring hepatitis B from patients is very small and that routine active immunisation is not necessary. Those who volunteer to treat known hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers should be offered immunisation and the recommendations of the expert group of the Health Departments of Great Britain on the treatment of HBV carriers should be implemented.