[Viral hepatitis and dental practice]

A description of the clinical features and epidemiology of viral hepatitis is followed by a literature survey of the problems concerning the relevance of viral hepatitis to dental practice. Most investigators have found, that in comparison to the general population dentists do have an increased risk of viral hepatitis. The probability of acquiring hepatitis increases linearly with the duration of professional activity, it is highest in dental surgeons. A recent increase of the risks seems to be related to the growing problem of drug abuse and to the increasing carrier rate of hepatitis antigen in certain sections of the population. Isolated epidemics of viral hepatitis in patients of dentists who were hepatitis antigen positive have been described. Careful prospective studies suggest however, that overall hepatitis antigen positive dentists or physicians do not present a serious health hazard to their patients. The prophylactic measures useful in dental practice are discussed.