TB and dentistry

Tuberculosis (TB) has reemerged as a major public health problem. Although dental care providers are considered to be at low risk of exposure to patients with active TB, they should be familiar with the recent recommendations for preventing transmission of tuberculosis in health care settings. Dental practitioners should be able to recognize and evaluate signs and symptoms of active TB in their patient population and initiate appropriate medical referrals for any patient in whom active TB is suspected. Furthermore, education of the dentist and the office staff about the transmission, signs and symptoms of the disease, and methods of protection is one of the most effective components on an overall TB control program.