Bloodborne viruses and occupational exposure in the dental setting.
Occupational hazards in dentistry are most commonly associated with physical, chemical and biological agents. Bloodborne viruses, notably hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pose a risk for occupational exposure among oral health care workers in South Africa. Although post-exposure prophylaxis can be prescribed after exposure to either or both these viruses, universal precautions and strategies must be implemented in order to protect the oral health care professional.
Webber
L M
LM
Department of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001. lwebber@medic.up.ac.za
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003815:Dentists; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006515:Hepatitis B virus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013019:South Africa; D016635:Universal Precautions