Hepatitis B prevalence within a dental student population.

In this descriptive epidemiologic study, prevalence rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its antibody (anti-HBs) among fourth-year dental students and second-year dental hygiene students were found to be comparable to those of a control population and a local age-adjusted blood donor group. This observation contrasts with the rates reported for practicing dentists, especially oral surgeons, and indicates that the increased risk experienced by dentists after dental school may be attributable to potentially greater exposure to the hepatitis B virus resulting from an expanded patient load. No significant correlation was found between a positive serologic response and several potential risk factors: previous liver disease, prior contact with hepatitis patients, parenteral injections, facial hair, and punctures sustained during dental procedures. In contrast, prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was increased significantly among black students.