The Role Dentists Play in Hepatitis Awareness

In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day last July 28, the Florida Department of Health held a free public screening in Panama City to increase public awareness of hepatitis. Health experts emphasized that they are most cautious about Hepatitis C, which is notorious for increasing the risks of liver damage and for having a shorter incubation period than Hepatitis B.

As Hepatitis C may be transmitted via used needles and medical equipment, some patients may be apprehensive about getting the services of dental and medical professionals. However, these patients can rest assured that reputable dentists make proper sterilization a priority in their services.

You can expect these professionals to employ hospital-grade sterilization methods, which are compliant with the CDC's 2008 Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines. One compliant procedure involves the use of steam to kill pathogens in instruments after a dental procedure, which dentists typically perform using an autoclave. An autoclave sterilizes equipment in a vacuum chamber using blasts of highly saturated steam, killing even the hardiest bacteria as a result.

Aside from sterilization, dentists also follow safety and sterilization protocols endorsed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These include having an exposure control plan in place.

The threat of hepatitis should never be disregarded. However, patients of trusted dental practices can relax, knowing that the right precautions and practices have been put in place to protect their health.