Knowledge and Attitudes of Tehran Dentists about HIV/AIDS

Statement of problem: As HIV/AIDS transmits through direct contact and via blood (possibly also saliva), the risk of cross-infection in a dental practice has become important. Dentists play an important role in detecting and treating oral manifestations of HIV. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes among general dentists working in Tehran towards HIV/AIDS. Materials and Methods: In a cross – sectional descriptive study, knowledge and attitude among 370 dentists towards HIV/AIDS were evaluated by a questionnaire consisting of 29 questions. Results: Three hundred and seventy dentists, consisting of 262 males (70.8%) and 108 females (29.2%), participated in this study. The mean age was 38.6 (range 25-57 years) .The mean years of work experiences after graduating was 12.9±8.3 years (range 0-29 years). In this study, the total maximum score was 72 (4 scores for each correct answer). Conclusion: In general, level of dentists’ knowledge about HIV/AIDS was low. An educational program about AIDS is highly recommended.