More Attention Is Needed For Protection Against Hepatitis B In Dentists

Dentists have not yet paid enough attention to protection against hepatitis B infections. For this reason, the inspection will require more attention in the coming period for the prevention of this type of infection.

Hepatitis B

Caregivers can transfer hepatitis B to patients. Much of the work is done with hollow instruments in oral care and invasive procedures take place. As a result, oral care treatments pose a high risk of contamination. It is therefore important that people who carry out these treatments are properly vaccinated.

Chronic infection with hepatitis B can cause inflammation of the liver and possibly liver cancer.

Dental clinics must ensure that personnel in contact with the patient are vaccinated against hepatitis B and can show it.

Inspection Visits

The Inspectorate will visit at least 30 dentist offices during the coming period to verify if staff caring for patients is vaccinated against hepatitis B. Employees are not protected against hepatitis B, they are not allowed to perform any treatment until that has not been arranged. Working in the sterilization room is no longer allowed because the risks of needlestick injuries are great. An infected instrument could then enter the clean chain.