Emotion and science
Article Abstract:
This editorial argues against the mandatory testing of all health care workers for the AIDS virus, emphasizing that calls for testing by a frightened public represents an overreaction to the infection of five patients by one dentist. Several recent political developments are cited, including the passage of legislation that would require states to adopt the guidelines for workers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, that have been established by the Centers for Disease Control if they want to retain federal funding. Only one case of doctor-to-patient transmission of HIV has been documented in spite of more than five billion dental visits and innumerable medical visits during the last decade. Testing would give rise to both false negative and false positive results, each with its own devastating consequences. The American Dental Association, after much debate, will discuss a resolution opposing any laws that require mandatory testing of health care workers or patients. Dentists who believe they are at risk for HIV infection should have themselves tested. Those who perform 'exposure-prone' procedures, which still need to be defined, should also undergo testing. However, these practices do not reflect what is known about the infectivity of HIV. Barrier techniques should be adequate to prevent transmission of the infection. If the public is to trust dentistry, an appropriate definition of 'exposure-prone' must be agreed upon by the profession. Few dental procedures should fall into this category. Science, not public anxiety, should be the basis for infection control guidelines. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1991
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Risk management for the '90s
Article Abstract:
Dentists may take different measures to protect themselves in case of a malpractice suit. The number of malpractice suits filed against dentists has dropped since the mid-1980s, but this type of litigation is still an important concern for many dentists. One measure dentists can take to protect themselves is to keep accurate records. Many dentists need to improve their recordkeeping practices. A patient's chart should include an up-to-date dental history, a dental chart, treatment plan, treatment notes and authorization forms. Another measure dentists can take is to get informed consent from the patient for all dental procedures. Informed consent involves educating the patient about the inherent benefits and risks of any treatment or procedure. Patients should be able to discuss any concerns during this process. Most attorneys recommend obtaining written documentation of an informed consent discussion.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1993
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