Immunizations and oral health care providers

Two very successful approaches aimed at preventing infectious diseases acquired in the dental office have introduced more vigilant infection control and barrier techniques as well as the use of specific immunizations. Special consideration is given to the subgroup of dental professionals at increased risk for common diseases that may prevail because of the location and demographics of their practices. A brief review of the basic principles of immunology and immunization is covered as well as immunizations and the medically compromised oral health care worker, the medically compromised patient, new vaccines that may be in the offing, and the future role of immunization for dentists.