Background: As healthcare providers, dentists are in a unique position to foster behavioural
changes that are needed to stem the spread of HIV infection. This study was conducted to assess the
role of dentists in the prevention of HIV transmission in Nigeria.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2006 to January
2007. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 practising dentists from all parts
of Nigeria. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that focused on dentist
demographic details, attitudes towards treating HIV-infected persons, involvement in public or
clinic-based patient education on HIV and infection control.
Results: Two hundred and fifty-seven questionnaires were returned completed, constituting
an 86% response rate. The majority of respondents (77.8%) had their dental practice in the southern
part of Nigeria, and 89% were in the age bracket of 21–40 years. HIV education by dentists was
ranked as poor, as less than a quarter of respondents routinely educated patients on HIV in the
clinic. Only a few dentists (33.3%) were involved in public enlightenment programme on HIV in
the previous 12 months. Most of the respondents (93%) reported a willingness to treat HIV-infected
patients while observing universal precautions. Good infection barrier practices were adopted by
89.9% of dentists, and disposable cartridges for local anaesthetic agents and dental needles were
not reused by 93.4% of the respondents. Autoclaving was the most widely used sterilization method
(73.2%), but less than half of the respondents knew how to ascertain whether sterilization was
effective.
Conclusion: This study revealed that efforts by Nigerian dentists to prevent HIV transmission
are presently less than optimal. Therefore, there is a need for sensitisation and motivation through
seminars, workshops and lectures.