Dental care of infectious patients in Denmark, 1986–1993: theoretical considerations and empirical findings

Abstract

Changes in infection control and behavior and attitudes towards HIV-infected patients from 1986 to 1992/93 were studied among a random sample of 335 Danish dentists; previous studies among random samples of Danish dentists served as references. 249 (74.3%) returned a mailed questionnaire together with a time, steam, temperature (TST) control indicator strip processed in their steam autoclaves, 3.4% of the autoclaves had not sterilized properly, which was an insignificant decrease compared to 1986. Overall, infection control had improved since 1986. In 1992/93 17.3% of dentists surveyed reported use of gloves always: in 1986 0.8% did so. Many (60.2%) reported at least one needlestick or cut accident within the last year. The number of dentists who were willing to treat HIV-infected patients and the number of clinics that found they could treat infectious patients safely had increased from 56.1% to 78.7% and from 43.0% to 66.8%, respectively. Other attitudinal dimensions, for example views on secrecy of HIV test results and HIV screening policy, had not changed. A conceptual model based on the theory of reasoned action formed the framework for multiple logistic regression analysis with two different outcomes: Willingness to treat HIV-infected individuals and Treatment of HIV-infected patients. In particular, expected staff problems turned out to have a high explanatory value (odds ratio = 18.2) if HIV-infected patients were received. In both models Certainty about hygienic precautions had some explanatory value. The findings may give some clues about how to plan and implement future continuing education on infection control and attitudinal and behavioral aspects of caring for infectious patients.

Willingness of dentists in Jordan to treat HIV‐infected patients

“…In Europe, surveys took place in Denmark (Scheutz, 1989; Scheutz and Langebaek, 1995) for many years and have shown great improve in the rate of willingness (78.7%) by 1993 (Scheutz and Langebaek, 1995); a number of surveys took place in the UK and have shown some high willingness in Glasgow (Samaranayake et al , 1990) and low one in England, Wales. A study in Scotland shows low willingness (Gibson and Freeman, 1996).…”

Oral Lesions of HIV Disease and HAART in Industrialized Countries

“…Although access to dental treatment has significantly improved for HIV-infected patients in North America and Europe, some oral health care practitioners remain unwilling to accept this patient group for treatment, and HIV-infected individuals continue to experience discrimination by health care professionals (Hodgson et al, 2006). While, in the United States, the number of dentists willing to treat HIV-infected patients has nearly doubled to 83% from 1984 to 2003 (Gerbert, 1987;Seacat and Inglehart, 2003), a trend mirrored in many European countries (Angelillo et al, 1994;Scheutz and Langebaek, 1995), a recent study from central England suggests that only 55% of dentists would accept HIV-infected patients for treatment without hesitation (Crossley, 2004).…”

(A1) Identification of Oral Health Care Needs in Children and Adults, Management of Oral Diseases

“…Denmark Scheutz (1990) 10 Scheutz and Langebaek (1995) 56 to 79,[1986][1987][1988][1989][1990][1991][1992][1993] Italy Angelillo et al (1994) 72 HIV, 67 AIDS UK Robinson et al (1994) 50 16 Wilson et al (1995) 52 Crossley (2004) 55…”