Patient Concern About AIDS
 A
recent survey of dental patients showed that patient protection was
#1 on their list of concerns about dental care. Some patients have
even quit going to the dentist because of their fears.
Fortunately, trips to the dentist have never been safer. The case
in Florida where the patient was apparently infected with the AIDS
virus by her dentist is the only such case out of tens of millions
of dental treatments performed since the introduction of the virus.
The Center for Disease Control still does not know the method of
infection.
However, even one case is too many. We have responded by adopting
"universal (or standard) precautions". These involve sterilizing all
instruments in dry-heat ovens or steam autoclaves to kill any
bacteria. Disposable items are used whenever possible.
The chance of
contracting an infection in the dental chair is extremely remote,
but the chance of losing one's teeth because of lack of proper
dental care is extremely likely.
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