Provision of hepatitis B vaccination for primary care dental staff in Scotland.

Abstract

All dental surgeons should be protected from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by immunisation, ideally administered and monitored via occupational health services (OHS). This study examined relevant OHS systems in place for dental primary care healthcare workers (DHCW) across all Health Board Areas (HBAs) in Scotland. It also explored the DHCWs' knowledge of, and access to, these systems in three HBAs. 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 (GDPs) and Community Dental Officers (CDOs) in each of Ayrshire and Arran, Highland and Lothian Health Boards. Thirteen of the 15 HBAs had robust HBV vaccination and monitoring systems. However, only 7/15 (47%) of these covered all DHCWs. Seven HBAs provided vaccination and monitoring for CDOs only, leaving GDPs to undertake these responsibilities for themselves. Of the 105 DHCWs approached, 82 gave an interview. These interviews highlighted major differences between HBAs in relation to access of DHCWs to OHS and indicated that CDOs had greater access than GDPs to OHS. Overall, 31% of DHCWs were not satisfied with the OHS available. In order to safeguard both staff and patients, significant further work is required to ensure that all DHCWs have access to appropriate OHS support for provision and monitoring of immunisation procedures and related functions such as management of sharps injuries.