Survey of Dental Health Care Workers Regarding Their Knowledge of Viral Liver Disease and Prevention of Its Transmission, Using an Online Questionnaire

Background: Over three million people in Japan are estimated to be infected with hepatitis viruses. Dentists need to be aware of measures to prevent transmission and have knowledge of extrahepatic manifestations. However, in Japan, there has been little evaluation of dentists’ knowledge of viral hepatitis. We investigated dental care workers for their knowledge of, and countermeasures against, viral hepatitis. Materials and methods: An anonymous online questionnaire surveying 1,210 members of the Japanese Society of Dental Practice Administration. Interviews were carried out with those who consented. Survey items are attributes, self-management of viral hepatitis, knowledge of liver disease, control of transmission, contacting patients with viral hepatitis, and gathering information on liver diseases. Results: 153 individuals responded to the questionnaire; 41 had not been immunized against hepatitis B and 61 knew of extrahepatic manifestations. Risk and knowledge deficit scores were significantly higher for workers in dental clinics than those in university settings (p<0.001, p=0.014). Conclusion: The respondents had insufficient knowledge of viral hepatitis, a low rate of immunization against hepatitis B and may not follow safe medical practice. It is critical that dentists understand the latest information on hepatitis viruses and acquire knowledge and skills related to medical safety and prevention of infection.