Hepatitis C: incidence and knowledge among Brazilian dentists

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of Hepatitis C among dentists from the city of Piracicaba-SP--Brazil, and also to analyze the knowledge of this disease among these health care workers. DESIGN: Two hundred and sixty-seven dentists completed a questionnaire and supplied a sample of blood for serologic testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV). RESULTS: Only one participant was positive for HCV, representing 0.4% of total. There was a lack of knowledge of this disease among dentists. CONCLUSIONS: There is an occupational risk of infection for HCV in dentistry and there is a need to make professionals aware of it.