Hepatitis B Immunisation and Monitoring for Scottish Primary Care Dental Staff

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant occupational threat to dental surgeons, all of whom should be protected by immunisation. Provision of the HBV vaccine and testing for an adequate antibody response should ideally be undertaken via occupational health services (OHS). Objectives: This study examined relevant OHS systems in place for dental primary care healthcare workers (DHCW) across all Health Board Areas in Scotland. It also explored the DHCWs’ knowledge of, and access to, these systems in three Health Board Areas. Methods: Data from senior staff in all Scottish Health Boards and Primary Care Trusts were collected by self-completing questionnaires. Information from DHCWs was collected via telephone interviews with general dental practitioners and community dental officers in each of Ayrshire & Arran, Highland and Lothian Health Boards. Results: Of the 105 DHCWs approached, 82 gave an interview. Thirteen of the 15 Health Board Areas had comprehensive HBV vaccination and monitoring systems, but only 47% of these covered all DHCWs. Seven Health Board Areas provided vaccination and monitoring for Community Dental Officers only, leaving general dental practitioners to undertake these responsibilities for themselves. The telephone interviews showed major differences between Health Board Areas in relation to access of DHCWs to OHS. Community Dental Officers had greater access than general dental practitioners to OHS for provision and monitoring of HBV immunisation. Overall, 31% of DHCWs were not satisfied with the OHS available. Conclusion: In order to safeguard both staff and patients, significant further work is required to ensure that all DHCWs in Scotland have access to appropriate OHS support for provision and monitoring of immunisation procedures and related functions such as management of sharps injuries.