Dental professionals can be exposed to blood through needles, instruments and sharps injuries. Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver and can be transmitted through infected blood.
Because of this occupational risk, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers who may be exposed to blood.
Vaccination is only part of the process
A typical hepatitis B course involves several vaccine doses.
For healthcare workers, UK guidance recommends a blood test 1–2 months after completing the full course to check that the vaccine has produced an immune response.
This test measures anti-HBs antibodies and the result is given in mIU/mL.
What does your hepatitis B titre mean?
Over 100 mIU/mL
A good immune response. For a healthy healthcare worker, no further routine doses or antibody testing are normally required.
10–100 mIU/mL
Some protection is present, but UK guidance recommends one additional hepatitis B vaccine dose.
Below 10 mIU/mL
This is classed as an inadequate response. Further investigation and additional vaccination may be needed depending on your previous vaccine history.
Why does the titre matter?
Having three injections written in your records does not necessarily prove that you responded to the vaccine.
The antibody result shows whether your immune system produced a measurable response — useful information if you ever have a needlestick or other blood exposure at work.
Trustwell Clinic provides hepatitis B vaccination and quantitative hepatitis B antibody testing for dental staff, healthcare workers and students in Marple, Stockport.