title: No longer 'written off' - times have changed for the BBV-infected dental professional.
abstract: There is a recognised potential risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) from infected healthcare workers to patients during exposure prone procedures (EPPs). The restrictions placed on performance of EPPs by infected clinicians in the UK have had a particularly significant impact on dentists because of the exposure-prone nature of most dental procedures and the difficulties in identifying alternative career pathways in the profession that do not involve EPPs. More recently, the significant positive impact of antiviral drugs on viral load, together with a re-categorisation of EPPs in dentistry have resulted in evolution of the guidance with a consequent significant improvement to the career prospects of dentists infected with BBVs. This paper provides an update for practitioners on the progress that has been made and outlines the current position with respect to practice restrictions.
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow, Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry &Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary &Life Sciences, Glasgow.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bagg
authors.affiliation: NHS National Services Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow, Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry &Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary &Life Sciences, Glasgow.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hopps
authors.affiliation: NHS Education for Scotland, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Glasgow.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: Dental Protection, The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9SG.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Croser
authors.affiliation: National Infection Service, Public Health England, London.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Halloran
authors.affiliation: National Infection Service, Public Health England, London.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ncube
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003815:Dentists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents