Barrier techniques and hepatitis B vaccine policies in dental components of local health agencies

R A Kuthy; J G Odom; J W Pruitt; J J Ashton

doi:10.1111/j.1752-7325.1988.tb03185.x

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Barrier techniques and hepatitis B vaccine policies in dental components of local health agencies

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Barrier techniques and hepatitis B vaccine policies in dental components of local health agencies

R A Kuthy, J G Odom, J W Pruitt and J J Ashton

Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.48(3), pp.152-158

1988

DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.1988.tb03185.x

PMID: 2970545

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Abstract

National health organizations have issued guidelines for barrier control techniques against infectious diseases and for inoculation against hepatitis B. This study surveys the policies of local health agencies regarding the safeguards used in protecting their employees. Local health agencies (N = 201) operating independently of state health departments were mailed questionnaires seeking information regarding glove, mask, and eyewear policies, as well as hepatitis B vaccine policies for new and current employees. Of the 156 programs returning the survey, 127 (76.6%) reported having a clinical component. Many agencies did not require infection control policies to be implemented for every patient. Agencies that had dental directors who have held their positions for fewer than four years were more likely to have requirements for gloves and masks than agencies run by directors with longer tenure. Those agencies that provided dental treatment to inmates at correctional institutions were also more likely to require infection control policies. The data indicate policy inconsistencies among local dental health programs nationwide. Of considerable concern is the fact that infection control was not identified as a priority for the near future. Many local health agencies would benefit from further education in infection control.

Public Health Dentistry

United States

Humans

Protective Devices

Communicable Disease Control

Masks

Viral Hepatitis Vaccines - therapeutic use

Health Systems Agencies

Hepatitis B Vaccines

Eye Protective Devices

Health Policy

Dental Health Services

Gloves, Surgical

Oral Health Policy

Details

Title: Subtitle: Barrier techniques and hepatitis B vaccine policies in dental components of local health agencies
Creators: R A Kuthy - Section of Community Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1241
J G Odom
J W Pruitt
J J Ashton
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.48(3), pp.152-158
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.1988.tb03185.x
PMID: 2970545
ISSN: 0022-4006
eISSN: 1752-7325
Grant note: MD-715404-1 / NIMHD NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 1988
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry; Public Policy Center (Archive); Oral Health Policy Research
Record Identifier: 9983917670902771

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