Geographic differences in the attitudes, knowledge and infection control practices of Ontario dentists

Geographic differences in the HIV-related attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of 5,997 dentists in Ontario were investigated using mailed questionnaires (response rate 70%). Proportionately more respondents from larger population centres reported that they knowingly treated HIV-infected patients (p<0.00001), they were unwilling to treat HIV-infected patients (p<0.05), they had an exaggerated perception of the risk of HIV infection after a needlestick injury (p<0.01), they were concerned about personal risk (p<0.01) and staff fears (p<0.05) related to HIV/AIDS, and that patients with HIV or AIDS should be treated in hospitals/specialized practices (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, and specialty, showed that respondents who practised in smaller population centres were significantly more willing to treat HIV-infected patients (<10,000, odds ratio=1.6; 10,000-49,999, odds ratio ratio=1.3). Significantly fewer respondents in the Central West, and Central East Health Planning Region, where AIDS is most prevalent, reported that they were willing to treat HIV patients.