Tuberculin skin test conversion rate in dental health care workers - results of a prospective study

Objectives: The tuberculin skin test conversion rate over 12 months in dent ists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants was assessed in 3 US-Mexico border counties of Texas in which reported tuberculosis rates were high com pared with the rates for Texas and the United States. Methods: Tuberculin skin tests were administered to 284 subjects and repeat ed on nonreactors 12 months later. Participants also completed self-adminis tered questionnaires. Results: The baseline positive tuberculin skin test prevalence was 4.6%. No nreactors were more likely to have been born in the United States (P < .001 ). The tuberculin skin test conversion rate over 12 months was 1.7%. Conclusion: Results indicate a need for heightened awareness of tuberculosi s transmission and annual surveillance by dental health care workers, as re commended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.