The management of HIV and Hepatitis positive patients—a dental therapist/hygienist perspective

Within this lecture we will outline reminders on blood born viruses and inform on the checks and balances that should be undertaken to facilitate safe and caring practice for this cohort of patients.

We will review the different viruses, their potential oral impacts, manifestations and discuss questions, that should be asked by a treating clinician when undertaking treatment with self identified patients with a blood borne virus. We will discuss how to approach this sensitive cohort of patients with care and review the ideal oral hygiene interventions to optimise our patient’s oral health for best overall systemic health. Further, we will discuss the potential impacts of a needle stick injury and how this is best managed with modern medications. Finally, we will outline the NSK M.I.T (Minimal Intervention Therapy) as ideal way to manage these patients oral health.