A comparison of infection control practices of different groups of oral specialists and general dental practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the infection control practices of general dentists and dental specialty groups.
METHODS: A survey was mailed to 5997 dentists in 1994; the response rate was 70%. The data were analyzed with multiple logistic regression (reference group: general dentists).
RESULTS: When sociodemographic influences were taken into consideration, significant predictors of routine infection control practices included all of the following characteristics (odds ratios are in parentheses): 1. Gloves: being younger than 40 years of age (4.5) and being female (5.9). 2. Using gloves and changing gloves after each patient: being younger than 40 years of age (4.0), being female (3.0), being an oral surgeon (3.6), and being an orthodontist (0.2). 3. Using gloves, masks, and protective eyewear: being younger than 40 years of age (2.5), being female (2.3), and being an orthodontist, oral physician, or oral pathologist (0.2). 4. Hepatitis B vaccination for the practitioner: being younger than 40 years of age (5.1). 5. Hepatitis B vaccination for all clinical staff members: being younger than 40 years of age (1.2), being an oral surgeon (1.7), and being an orthodontist (0.6). 6. Heat sterilization of handpieces: being younger than 40 years of age (1.5), being an oral surgeon (5.4), and being an orthodontist (0.2). 7. Taking no additional precautions for patients with HIV: being younger than 40 years of age (1.7), being a periodontist (2.6), being a pedodontist (2.3), and being an oral physician/oral pathologist (4.3).
CONCLUSION: Improved compliance with recommended infection control procedures is required for all groups and is particularly necessary for orthodontists.