Attitudes, beliefs, and infection control practices of Iranian dentists associated with HIV-positive patients

Of the 309 private dental practitioners in Fars, Iran, surveyed most, 77.7% believed they had a professional duty to treat HIV-positive patients, with 61.4% expressing some level of discomfort about treating these patients, and 75.1% believed they should be treated at a specialist practice. Gloves and masks were not always worn, 15.8% and 9.7%, respectively, and 70.2% of dentist washed their hands before treatment and 60.2% after treatment. Elementary standard precautions were not routinely implemented in private dental practices, despite high levels of concerns about transmission of infection.