Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: What Every Dental Personnel Should Know

Abstract

Percutaneous injuries in the dental office are one of the main risk factors for the transmission of diseases like hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HBV is an important infectious disease that is to be focused on in a dental setting. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental work ranks first in the frequency of potential sources for acquiring viral hepatitis, while dental employment ranks eleventh. It is necessary that all dental practitioners are aware of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to be followed in case of exposure to HBV, HCV or HIV and the protocol followed in situations of exposure and that adequate reporting of the situation is performed. The protocol discussed is to be displayed in all dental settings so that every dental personnel will be aware of the necessary prophylaxis to be followed in any case of accidental exposure to infected source.