The Alarming State of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Dentists: Local, National and Global Implications

Globally, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) presents a major public health risk, leading to chronic infections, liver cirrhosis, and cancer. The virus transmits through bodily fluids such as blood, sexual intercourse and contact, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth, and contaminated equipment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 254,000,000 (254 million) people will suffer from chronic hepatitis B in 2022, with 1,200,000 (1.2 million) new cases annually. The disease claimed around 1.1 million lives in 2022, mainly due to cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. Fortunately, effective and safe vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis B infection. In dental care settings, microorganisms can be transmitted through various routes, including physical contact with infected fluids or materials, contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces, exposure to airborne pathogens through droplets or aerosols, and inhalation of microorganisms suspended in the air.