A study of 125 sophomore preclinical dental students found that these young professionals, because of having a low prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies, are at risk for acquiring a primary HSV infection when treating HSV positive patients and should take precautions to avoid virus transmission. (MSE)

A study investigated patient attitudes toward different disease control measures taken in dental school clinics (n=272 patients) and private practices (n=107 patients). Variables examined included sex, age, educational background, and knowledge of infectious diseases. Patients tended to accept the control measures being used in each context. (MSE)

An instructional approach to pathogenic microbiology appropriate for dental medicine, which was developed by the University of Texas, is described. This approach is perceived by the students as relevant to their needs, and it increases the instructor's awareness to emphasize the oral aspects of the infectious diseases. (Author/MLW)

Results of a 1988 survey of dental school deans concerning infection control instruction and protocols found increased attention to infection control and application of recommended protocols. Findings are contrasted with those of earlier studies, and remaining obstacles to implementation of infection control programs are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The American Association of Dental Schools' task force on acquired immune deficiency syndrome and dental education recommends that educational strategies stress the necessity for routine infection control procedures in treatment, enhancing the health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning all aspects of disease prevention.…

A carefully controlled hepatitis B immunization program among the University of Pittsburgh's dental students and faculty resulted in 96 percent of tested recipients having positive protective antibody titers. A direct relationship between age and positive titers emerged, supporting vaccination early in the dental career. (MSE)

Three years after the introduction of a voluntary hepatitis B vaccination program, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine has achieved a high vaccination rate among predoctoral students and a moderate rate among postdoctoral students and faculty. However, an unexpectedly low immunity was achieved, even among vaccinated individuals. (MSE)

The context, policies, and procedures of the Northwestern University (Illinois) dental school that affected administrative decision making concerning a dental student who tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus are outlined, and the related events of six months are chronicled. An administrator reflects on the experience. (MSE)

The experiences of one dental school concerning a dental student who tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and was determined to complete the program are chronicled. Administrative actions and procedures, information dissemination, and considerations used in making decisions concerning this student and general policy are described…

The decision process of Creighton University (Nebraska) to publicly announce that a dental student had tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is described. Major points of the student/administration agreement, the student's concerns, medical issues, legal and moral issues, public relations considerations, patient notification and…

A study found that, among 181 dental students, belief in the right to refuse treatment to human-immunovirus (HIV)-positive patients was best predicted by nonprofessional attitudes, low optimism, low level of comfort with homosexuality, and gender. Knowledge of HIV, year in dental school, and fear of contagion were not reliable predictors.…

A study found that white dental students' (n=144) perceptions of clinical ability, attitudes toward gay men, and white racial attitudes account for both their willingness to provide dental care to patients with HIV disease and their perception of the risk of occupational infection with the disease. Results suggest attitudes regarding cultural…

An unidentified dental student who tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus offers a personal perspective on the emotions, concerns, and considerations of a seropositive student. He outlines the process by which he made decisions concerning his situation and describes the response of family, fellow students, and dental school…