A letter of importance

Article Abstract:

An interim policy report has been issued by the American Dental Association (ADA) concerning the dentist-patient relationship and the possible transmission of disease. The subject was raised by the reports of three cases of patients who may have contracted AIDS from a single dentist, a conclusion reached because of the genetic similarity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains isolated in the people involved. If this occurred, it would be the first documented AIDS virus transmission from a health care professional to a patient. Several billion visits to dentists have been made in the past decade, and until now, the safety record has been unblemished. The Centers for Disease Control has issued a policy report that supports efforts to protect patients' health when they are treated by dentists. An advisory opinion to the ADA's Code of Professional Conduct suggests strongly that HIV-infected dentists limit their practices to areas where infection transmission is not possible. Although the risk of transmission appears extremely small, the way the infection was transmitted in the dental cases is not known; until it is, protecting the health of patients must remain the top priority. For this reason, the ADA recommends that dentists who are HIV-infected should no longer perform invasive procedures, or should reveal to patients that they are seropositive. In these cases, the organization will help such dentists achieve satisfying professional careers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, AIDS patients, HIV patients, Disease transmission, Dentist and patient, Dentist-patient relations, editorial

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Kicking the habit

Article Abstract:

The American Dental Association (ADA) should follow the lead of the American Medical Association and urge its members to divest themselves of tobacco companies' stock. Tobacco is a significant cause of illness and death and more adolescents are taking up the habit. A study found that 92% of the people surveyed had measurable levels of nicotine metabolites in their blood even though they didn't smoke. The ADA already supports legislation that would classify nicotine as a drug and cigarettes as a drug delivery device. This would put them under the control of the FDA.

Analysis, Tobacco industry, Investor relations, Disinvestment

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What do dentists do when they don't do dentistry?

Article Abstract:

In 1995 there were 28,960 dentists in America retired or otherwise not practicing. Some have gone onto other pursuits but many want to use what they know. One dentist had his offer to volunteer his services refused unless he would first take another state board. The ADA could try to help organize a National Service Corps of Retired Dentists to help overcome licensing restrictions and otherwise allow these people to continue offering dental services to the public.

Social aspects, Employment, Dentists, Retirement

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