Survey to assess dental practitioner's knowledge of infectious disease.

The prerequisite to understanding the need for infection control practices in dentistry is a sound knowledge of infectious disease and the potential for its transmission in the dental setting. To assess the infectious disease knowledge-base of dental practitioners, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to dentists in British Columbia. The survey results showed that many of the mechanisms, routes and risks for the transmission of viral pathogens in the dental setting are not clearly understood by dentists. Continuing education is needed to ensure that compliance with current infection control recommendations, and the provision of appropriate patient care, continues to be based on a clear understanding by dentists of the mechanisms of infection. By identifying the current infectious disease knowledge-base of dentists, this survey may permit more specifically-directed continuing education programs to be offered.