Respiratory Viral Infections Seroprevalence studies5 have shown a higher prevalence of antibodies to influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus among dentists compared with controls. Annual immunization of dental workers against influenza is recommended to reduce the potential for transmission to patients, co-workers and family members. Herpes Viruses The herpes viruses cause persistent infection in most of the population and are shed in saliva. There is evidence of higher levels of antibodies to EBV in dentists and clinical dental students compared with preclinical dental students. There is also evidence of transmission of HSV to health care workers from patients and from dental workers to patients. This includes an outbreak of HSV-1 gingivostomatitis in 20 of 46 patients treated by a hygienist with a herpetic whitlow who did not use gloves. The potential for transmission of herpes virus via dental handpieces has also been demonstrated. Reports of occupationally acquired HSV have become less frequent with the use of personal protective barriers. Hepatitis Viruses The hepatitis viruses of most concern to dentists are the bloodborne HBV, HCV and hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV can occur only as a co-infection with HBV, and HBV immunization confers immunity to both HBV and HDV. There is evidence that hepatitis G virus (HGV) can be transmitted by percutaneous exposure to blood; however, the clinical significance of HGV is unclear. HBV and HCV are present in saliva as well as blood and are of major concern in the dental office. HIV According to the Public Health Laboratory Service,23 as of June 1999, there were 319 reports of occupationally acquired HIV among health care workers worldwide. Of these, 102 cases were confirmed (negative baseline HIV test after exposure, with subsequent seroconversion; or subtyping or genotyping to detect an identical strain of HIV in source and exposed people). Of the 217 possible or probable cases, 9 were dental workers. Dentists’ Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Percutaneous injuries and blood splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth occur frequently during dental treatment. On average, dentists in Canada report 3 percutaneous injuries and 1.5 mucous-membrane exposures per year.29 The highest frequencies of percutaneous injuries were reported by orthodontists (4.9 per year) and the highest frequencies of blood splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth were reported by oral surgeons (1.8 per year). If you want to know more dental information, such as coxo dental handpiece maintenance, please click here “china dental machine”. Related articles： How to choose a satisfactory dental chair? Can cavities be seen on X rays?
