HEPATITIS B AND C IN DENTISTRY

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SUMMARY Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem, occurring endemically in all areas of the world. The prevalence of the disease is influenced by numerous factors which may be able to modulate its onset. The presence of HCV-RNA in saliva provides a biological basis for saliva as a possible source of HCV infection, although it does not necessarily imply transmission. Lock and coworkers (2006) demonstrates a contamination with HCV-RNA of a considerable portion of toothbrushes used by hepatitis C patients. Dentists were in a high risk of contracting this disease due to the procedures and instruments of dental treatment. Patients with liver disorders are of significant interest to the dentist because liver plays a vital role in metabolitic function, including the secretion of bile needed to fat absorption, conversion of sugar to glycogen, excretion of bilirubin, a waste product of hemoglobin metabolism. Impairment of liver function can lead to abnormalities of the metabolism of amino acid, protein, carbohydrates and lipid. Many biochemical function performed by the liver, such as synthesis of coagulation factors and drug metabolism, may be adversely affected. Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disorder and is a major public health problem, occurring endemically in all areas of the world. The prevalence of the disease is influenced by numerous factors which may be able to modulate its onset.