The significance of AIDS to dentists and dental practice

Abstract

T he acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first identified in 1979 and appeared in San Francisco in 1981.’ Since then it has been recognized in other urban areas and on other continents. To date there are more than 5563 known patients with AIDS and although the number of new patients had been doubling approximately every 6 months, the rate of increase has slowed.2 AIDS is predominantly an affliction of young homosexual or bisexual men (75%), but it has also been found in intravenous drug abusers (13%), hemophiliacs, a group of Haitian immigrants, heterosexual women, and children of infected mothers.2’5 Four cases involving health care workers have been reported.6 Because the mode of infection is similar to that of hepatitis B, dentists and dental hygienists, as well as dental auxilliaries, comprise a potentially high risk group. The prognosis for AIDS is far worse than that of hepatitis B; the current mortality rate is between 40% and 60%.3 Ultimate mortality may rise as high as 80% to 100% because of the chronic, devastating nature of the opportunistic infections; the frequent lack of response to antibiotic therapy; and inadequate time and resources to develop effective methods of treatment.