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HCV from dentist
Just curious if I should be concerned. My dentist was doing some drilling and would continually flip the switch on the overhead light with her gloves on, then continue working on me. The handles were covered with disposable bags, but the switch wasn't. I find it hard to believe they sanitize that switch after each patient. She touched the drill bits with the same gloved fingers that touched the switch. There was blood involved (I saw it on the gauze she used). Is there any real risk involved from this (ie if a patient before me had hepatitis and she casually touched the switch after working with them)? Is this behavior considered ok in medical settings? If so, why? Is the risk too low or nonexistent?
Thank you!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No testing is necessary.
PS. Unbelievably, it was the dentist, not the technician.
Thank you. So no testing necessary?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
These comments don't change my opinion or advice.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
Actually, HCV is not an STD, regardless of common information to the contrary. The only situation in which sexual transmission has been confirmed is among men having sex with other men whose sexual practices involve rectal trauma with bleeding. Since it's not really an STD, this really isn't the best forum for information about it -- especially when it comes to nonsexual transmission.
In any case, transmission of blood borne infections in dental offices is extremely rare, if it occurs at all. The procedures you describe don't sound especially risky. That said, it indeed is not appropriate to touch switches, doorknobs, etc with potentially contaminated gloved hands and fingers. It sounds like maybe the technician was trained to use gloves primarily to protect herself from blood exposure, but her training may not have emphasized their importance in transmitting infection to patients and co-worker. That said, I really don't think you're at risk because of this.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Actually, HCV is not an STD, regardless of common information to the contrary. The only situation in which sexual transmission has been confirmed is among men having sex with other men whose sexual practices involve rectal trauma with bleeding. Since it's not really an STD, this really isn't the best forum for information about it -- especially when it comes to nonsexual transmission.
In any case, transmission of blood borne infections in dental offices is extremely rare, if it occurs at all. The procedures you describe don't sound especially risky. That said, it indeed is not appropriate to touch switches, doorknobs, etc with potentially contaminated gloved hands and fingers. It sounds like maybe the technician was trained to use gloves primarily to protect herself from blood exposure, but her training may not have emphasized their importance in transmitting infection to patients and co-worker. That said, I really don't think you're at risk because of this.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Sorry, she also handled the front of her splash shield without changing gloves.
In addition, she extensively handled a uv light emitter with the same gloves and then touched instruments going into my mouth. It doesn't seem like it could be autoclaved, as its electronic and they took it out of a drawer. It had a replaceable tip, but if there was anything on the body, it would have gotten on her gloves.
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Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
