Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses- revisited

Abstract

Dental health care personnel are at increased risk of acquiring blood-borne infections including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infection is acquired through innoculation of infected blood by needle stick injuries, by penetrations of sharp dental instruments and by contact of mucous membrane with the infected fluid. HBV infection is a vaccine-preventable disease. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent HCV infection.