|
 Overview
Nearly 4 million Americans are infected
with hepatitis C virus (HCV)—four
times the number infected with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chronic
HCV increases the risk of developing serious liver disease
such as cirrhosis and cancer. Most studies suggest that dental
professionals are no more likely to be infected than the general
population. Therefore, their risk of occupationally acquiring
HCV, when appropriate infection control procedures are followed,
appears to be very low. Nevertheless, HCV is still a concern
for anyone who may be accidentally exposed to blood in the
course of their work. For a more detailed summary of this topic,
see Topic
Summary.
The ADA provides the following resources as well as links to non-ADA materials
elsewhere on the Internet for dentists
and dental professionals who have HCV
or are concerned about HCV infection.
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The
Journal of the American Dental Association
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Top
Additional Resources
 =
Members Only Content
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(September
2000)