Abstract

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease to which dentists are susceptible. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of antibody titer and immunity in vaccinated Iranian general dentists. A total of 861 general dentists were invited to participate in this study; 598 persons who could recall their history of vaccination and consented to have blood samples taken were recruited. Demographic and work-related data were recorded, and anti-Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs-Ag) evaluations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 598 participants, 35 (5.9) were nonimmune (anti-HBs <10 IU/l), 101 (16.9) were relatively immune (anti-HBs = 10-99 IU/l), and 462 (77.3) were completely immune (anti-HBs > or =100 IU/l). Only 218 (36.5) of the dentists knew their HBs antibody titer. Fourteen (2.3) persons reported receiving one dose and 65 (10.9) had received two doses. The number of those who had received the three recommended doses totaled 519 (86.8), 491 (82.1) of them receiving their vaccine on schedule. Age, city, pack-years of smoking, years of smoking, and the interval between the last vaccination and the commencement of the study had a significant relationship to the antibody titer level, whereas sex, marital status, place of practice, smoking, and vaccination schedule were not related. Only 36.5 of the general dentists had checked their antibody titer. We, therefore, recommend that dentists, as a potential high-risk group, should know their level of anti-HBs antibody titer so that those who require revaccination can get treatment.