The risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in dental practice

After a decade of study of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) there is evidence to address the concerns of dental staff about possible transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This paper reviews that evidence which demonstrates an extremely low risk of transmission of HIV to staff and patients. Only a few isolated cases have implicated transmission during dental practice, however, there are no proven cases where seroconversion has been demonstrated in relation to an exposure during dental treatment.