Blood-borne viruses: Recommendations regarding the teaching of the clinical management of dental patients to undergraduate dental students

Abstract

This study has identified some shortfalls in academic knowledge and intended treatment practice among UK final-year dental students with regard to blood-borne viruses. The problem areas identifed included knowledge of the different serological markers, humoral response and transmission routes and vectors of HBV; lesions and infections associated with HIE and the most appropriate cross-infection policy to use. This paper makes recommendations for the teaching of dental undergraduate students to address the deficiencies which the study exposed.