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Biomedical subjects

F Scheutz

Publications and source records attributed to F Scheutz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Hepatitis B virus infection in Danish dentists. A case-control and follow-up study.

The authors determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus markers among Danish dentists in 1985 in an effort to assess occupational risk factors. A case-control study approach was applied using pedodontists as zero-exposure controls. The study further allowed serologic and epidemiologic follow-up of dentists who participated in a similar study in 1976. The authors sought to determine whether exposure to hepatitis B virus in this population sometimes leads to immunization without infection (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) positivity only). A total of 922 dentists (22% of all Danish dentists) gave blood; of these, 254 (28%) participated in the 1976 study. Serum samples were tested using commercial solid phase radioimmunoassays. The prevalences of anti-HBs and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were 7.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.7-9.0) and 5.2% (95% CI = 3.8-6.6), respectively. Twenty-one dentists (31%) only had anti-HBs (without prior vaccination). Age-standardization of the two data sets (1976 and 1985) indicated no substantial change in seroprevalence. Private practitioners, especially those working in Copenhagen, had an increased odds ratio (OR) of being seropositive compared with that of pedodontists (OR = 3.0 (95% CI = 1.3-6.8) adjusted for age and sex and OR = 2.4 (95% CI = 1.1-5.2) adjusted for age and site of practice). The proportion attributable to occupational exposure was approximately 50%. In a logistic regression model, site of practice and type of specialty were associated with hepatitis B virus seropositivity (p = 0.01 and 0.05, respectively), whereas age, sex, hours of oral surgery per week, and use of gloves were not. Four persons had become seropositive in the follow-up study, for a seroconversion rate of 0.2% per year. Seven out of 18 dentists who were anti-HBs positive in 1976 were found to be anti-HBs negative in 1985. Most of these dentists had values below 10.0 units by S/N ratio (ratio of counts per minute of sample compared with the mean number of counts per minute of negative controls). The findings do not justify institution of a large-scale vaccination program for dentists, but there are certain subgroups of dentists which constitute candidates for vaccination.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Antibody to human papilloma virus in Danish dentists.

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of antibody to human papilloma virus (HPV) among Danish dentists in order to determine whether this virus constitutes an occupational hazard for dentists. Serum samples from 452 Danish dentists were tested for antibody against a common capsid antigen to HPV by a complement fixation reaction. Nine (2.0%) were seropositive. Dentists' odds ratio for seropositivity was after adjustment for age 0.6 (90% confidence interval: 0.3-1.4) compared to that of voluntary blood donors. In conclusion, Danish dentists do not seem to be at an increased risk of becoming infected with HPV.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1988

Outcome of sterilization by steam autoclaves in Danish dental offices.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of autoclaves and the use of biologic indicators for sterilization control, and to look for predictor variables for improperly functioning autoclaves in Danish dental offices. The study population comprised 314 Danish dental offices (participation rate 94%); 177 from the public Child Dental Service (CDS) and 137 from private practice. A minor questionnaire and five biologic indicators (Attest Biological Indicator for Steam Sterilization, 3M) were sent to the participants. CDS offices were found more inclined to use biologic indicators than PP offices (P less than 0.00001). Among CDS autoclaves 2.3% (95% confidence limit: 0.9-5.7%) failed to sterilize compared to 7.3% (95% confidence limit: 4.0-12.9) of the PP autoclaves. This difference is not statistically significant, but the confidence intervals indicate a possible true difference in favor of a better outcome in the CDS offices. Looking at the whole sample no other predictor variable for inadequate sterilization could be determined as differences were statistically insignificant with regard to years of professional experience, age and brand of autoclave, and use of biological control. Recommendations from an official body stating the approved types of sterilization control in dental offices would be of value.

Denmark↗
PubMed1988

What do dentists know about statistics?

A multiple choice test with nine statistical questions was sent to a random sample of Danish dentists to assess their knowledge of elementary statistical expressions (SD, SE, P less than 0.05, P greater than 0.05 and r). Of 250 dentists, 129 (52%) answered the questions. The test was also completed by 27 (71%) of 38 dental students immediately after the last lecture in statistics. The median number of correct answers was 2.2 among the dentists and 3.4 among the dental students. It is concluded that the statistical knowledge of most dentists, and to a lesser degree also dental students, is so limited that they cannot be expected to be critically against or to draw the right conclusions from those statistical analyses with which they are confronted. Only 35% of the dentists stated that it is very important that this problem be raised.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗