There are claims by Hepatitis patients that they receive discriminatory treatment at dental clinics in a survey. Is this attitude need to be adopted?
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver due to viruses, drugs or any other factor. In Pakistan, viral infections (Hep A, B and C) are the dominant cause of liver inflammation. Inoculation of infected blood or blood products transmits Hepatitis B . Therefore, dentistry concerns much. Saliva and sweat contain the virus. However, evidence for transmission is not established.
Alarming statistics
This disease accounts for a major healthcare burden in Pakistan. In 2020, according to reports, 15 million people lived with Hep B, and C. Majority of them are unaware of the infection. Moreover, an estimated 300 people die every day in Pakistan due to complications of Hepatitis. Studies have shown that chronic hepatitis B, typically acquired early in life, are at substantial risk of developing liver failure and cancer. Prisoners, drug addicts and regular blood transfusions receivers from unhygienic instalments are most likely at high risk of this disease.
Dental considerations while dealing with patients with Hepatitis
Dental surgeons have to face the key challenges of the risk of cross-infection, clotting dysfunction, and drug metabolism problems whilst considering a patient with Hepatitis.
It is quite unusual to find cases of its transmission in a dental setup because sterilization and cross infection control are core considerations in the dental curriculum. Consequently, there is a greater risk of cross-infection at any quack dental practice. Although, dentists themselves are at greater risk of transmission due to mishaps like needlestick injury.
Prevention is possible
The majority of exposures in dentistry are highly preventable, and methods to reduce the risk of blood contacts can be minimized by following standard protocols of disinfection and obtaining a medical history from patients. Depending on the cause, it is mostly curable. However, treatments are quite expensive. Moreover, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on 28th July every year. This day is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on spreading awareness for Hepatitis and highlight the need for a greater response in curbing hepatic diseases.