The Management of Occupational Exposures to Blood and Saliva in Dental Practice

From Volume 27, Issue 7, September 2000 | Pages 318-324

Authors

Guy D. Palmer

BDS, MSc, MRD RCS

Senior Demonstrator in Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Dentistry, London

Articles by Guy D. Palmer

Garry J.P. Fleming

BSc, PhD

Research Fellow in Sedation and Special Care Dentistry, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Dentistry, London

Articles by Garry J.P. Fleming

Abstract

Accidental injuries when handling sharp or rotating instruments can allow inoculation of a dental team member by the patient's blood or saliva. The risk of transmission of HIV from occupational exposure among dental workers is low and to date no occupational exposure has resulted in HIV transmission. However, hepatitis B and C have a high morbidity and mortality and are more infectious than HIV. This paper demonstrates how occupational exposures to blood and saliva could be managed in general dental practice and outlines the legal responsibilities of a dentist in the management of these exposures.

Article