Volume 31, Issue 1 (3-2024)
RJMS 2024, 31(1): 1-6 |
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Behboudi E, Zareipour M, Movahedi M, Sakhaei S. Mitigating the Risk: Tackling Viral Infections in Dentistry. RJMS 2024; 31 (1) :1-6
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8586-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8586-en.html
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran , emadbehboudi69@gmail.com
Abstract: (606 Views)
Viral infections pose a significant risk to both dental professionals and patients, and it is crucial that we address this concern. Firstly, the close proximity between dental professionals and patients during dental procedures increases the likelihood of viral transmission. Dental practitioners may be exposed to a wide range of viruses in the saliva and blood of patients which they treat in the dental treatments. One of the goals of infection control in dental practice is to prevent the transmission of pathogen agents such as viruses from patients to dental practitioner or other dental staff (1). The most important viral Infections in dentistry are SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, Human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus types I, Epstein‐Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and a number of viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract (2-5). Infections may be transmitted in dental practice by droplets, aerosols or direct contact with blood or saliva. The majority of processes undertaken in dentistry make aerosols. The most concern to dental practice is respiratory viruses. There is an important data that SARAS-CoV-2, influenza and certain other viral respiratory infections can spread through aerosols as well as by droplets. Concentrations of pathogens in aerosols decrease with increasing distance from the patient’s mouth and a mask tightly sealed to the face (6, 7). It can block entry of 95% of total influenza virus particles, while a tightly closed N95 can block over 99% of virus particles. In versus, a loosely fitted mask blocks 56% and a poorly fitted respirator solely 66% of infectious virus agents. Needle stick and sharp means injuries are common in dental practice and present the risk of direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and the chance to exposure with a contaminating injury and a non-immune person is approximately one in three (depending on the infective status of the source of injury) (8). In comparison, the chance of transmission of the HIV/AIDS by similar instrument is one in 300; and for hepatitis C virus (HCV), one in 30. Dental team has varying vulnerabilities to infection depending on their age, patients viral load and effect of viral treatments and immune status. There is not any confirmation that blood-borne viral infections such as HBV or HIV can be transmitted through breathing aerosols of plume or other dental aerosols (8, 9).
Therefore, studies showed that the dentist’s team is at high risk of exposure to several common vaccine-preventable viral infections by contact with patients. All dental practitioners and clinical staff are directed to have immunizations for these infections and when treating these patients, it would be much better if clinical staff wear well-adapted close-fitting masks with high filtration capabilities and sterilization procedures be followed in order to decrease the risk of infection (10).
It is important for dental professionals to stay updated on the latest guidelines and recommendations provided by reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines outline best practices for infection control in dental settings and help ensure the safety of both patients and dental professionals.
Conclusion: In conclusion, viral infections in dentistry are a serious concern that requires attention and adherence to strict infection control protocols. By implementing proper sterilization techniques, using personal protective equipment, and staying informed about the latest guidelines, we can minimize the risk of viral transmission in dental settings. The comprehensive coverage of issues related to the control of viral infections in the dental environment is one of the strengths of this article. By identifying the existing challenges and providing practical solutions, the article helps dentists to protect themselves and patients against these threats. Methods such as employee training, use of appropriate protective equipment, compliance with hygiene principles, as well as sterilization and disinfection of tools are among these effective solutions. In general, this article can significantly help dentists by providing practical and scientific solutions to control viral infections in dentistry and ultimately lead to improving the health and safety of patients and dentists.
Therefore, studies showed that the dentist’s team is at high risk of exposure to several common vaccine-preventable viral infections by contact with patients. All dental practitioners and clinical staff are directed to have immunizations for these infections and when treating these patients, it would be much better if clinical staff wear well-adapted close-fitting masks with high filtration capabilities and sterilization procedures be followed in order to decrease the risk of infection (10).
It is important for dental professionals to stay updated on the latest guidelines and recommendations provided by reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines outline best practices for infection control in dental settings and help ensure the safety of both patients and dental professionals.
Conclusion: In conclusion, viral infections in dentistry are a serious concern that requires attention and adherence to strict infection control protocols. By implementing proper sterilization techniques, using personal protective equipment, and staying informed about the latest guidelines, we can minimize the risk of viral transmission in dental settings. The comprehensive coverage of issues related to the control of viral infections in the dental environment is one of the strengths of this article. By identifying the existing challenges and providing practical solutions, the article helps dentists to protect themselves and patients against these threats. Methods such as employee training, use of appropriate protective equipment, compliance with hygiene principles, as well as sterilization and disinfection of tools are among these effective solutions. In general, this article can significantly help dentists by providing practical and scientific solutions to control viral infections in dentistry and ultimately lead to improving the health and safety of patients and dentists.
Type of Study: Letter to the editor |
Subject:
Infectious Disease
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