This is mainly due to the nature of dental procedures, which involve direct contact with blood, saliva, sharp instruments, and the generation of aerosols.
But what does this mean for patients and dental professionals? Let’s explore both perspectives.
Why Are Dentists at Higher Risk?
★ Direct exposure to blood and saliva: Treatments like extractions, periodontal therapy, or root canals often cause bleeding.
★ Sharp instruments and needlestick injuries: Accidental punctures are a real occupational hazard.
★ Aerosol generation: High-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes produce aerosols that can contain viral particles.
★ Emergency situations: In urgent care, the risk of accidental exposure may increase.
► DENTAL BOOK: Little and Falace's Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient – 10th Edition (2023)
What Patients Should Know
For patients, the important message is: dental care is safe. Even though dentists face occupational risks, modern infection control protocols protect both the patient and the dental team.
★ Dentists always use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eyewear, and face shields.
★ All instruments are sterilized under high temperature and pressure to eliminate viruses and bacteria.
★ Clinical surfaces are disinfected after every appointment.
★ Use of rubber dams and high-volume suction reduces the spread of aerosols.
★ Clinics follow international biosafety standards for waste disposal and sharps management.
👉 As a patient, you can be confident: visiting the dentist does not put you at risk of HIV or other infections.
What Dental Professionals Must Remember
For dentists and oral health professionals, awareness and strict adherence to biosafety is crucial.
★ Apply universal precautions to every patient, regardless of their health status.
★ Maintain consistent use of PPE, including advanced respiratory protection (N95 or equivalent) when indicated.
★ Ensure instrument sterilization and surface disinfection protocols are never skipped.
★ Implement immediate action protocols in case of occupational accidents, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
★ Engage in continuous education on infection control and emerging guidelines.
Scientific evidence shows that the actual risk of HIV transmission from an occupational needle stick is around 0.3%, and even lower through other routes.
This figure, while low, justifies why no precaution should ever be neglected.
Final Reflection
Dentists are undeniably among the specialists most exposed to HIV.
However, the strict implementation of infection control measures ensures that dental care remains safe for patients and sustainable for professionals.
The key lies in vigilance, education, and commitment to biosafety protocols, which protect everyone involved in the dental setting.
