Probable prevalence of viral hepatitis and its vaccinal coverage among dental students of the paraíba federal university (Paraíba, Brazil)

Abstract

Dentists must be aware of the potential of vertical and horizontal transmission of several contagious diseases, especially viral hepatitis, through the contact with patients’ blood, mucosa and oral secretion. There is always a risk of being infected, since sometimes patients can show no symptoms. A research involving 154 dental students of the Paraíba Federal University has been carried out in order to verify the probable prevalence of viral hepatitis and its protection profile. 131 (85,1%) out of 154 interviewed students said that they did not catch hepatitis, but 21 (13,6%) students had gotten the disease. In regard to the vaccinal coverage, 85 (55,2%) out of 154 students had taken the vaccine, but only 37 (43,5%) of them had taken the three doses and 37 (24 %) did not take any dose. Professionals must be aware of that since the beginning of their academic life, so there will be more safety not only for themselves, but also for their patients and their family members.