Syphilis and gonorrhea

Syphilis and gonorrhea are prevalent in the United States; thus it is likely that the practicing dentist will encounter these sexually transmitted diseases. Oral-genital contact can result in oral and oropharyngeal lesions of both syphilis and gonorrhea. In most states, the law mandates reporting of these sexually transmitted diseases to local health departments. Dentists must wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear for all procedures resulting in physical contact between the patient and practitioner. Universal infection control procedures must be carefully followed to ensure against disease transmission from the symptomatic as well as the asymptomatic disease carrier.