Can I Get HIV at the Dentist's Office? 

 

 Due to the nature of dental treatment, many people fear that HIV may be transmitted during treatment. Universal precautions are used between each and every patient to prevent the transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases.

These precautions require dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants to wear gloves, facemasks and eye protection, and to sterilize all handpieces (drills) and other dental instruments for every patient, using specific sterilization procedures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. Items that cannot be sterilized are discarded in special containers. After each patient visit, gloves are discarded, hands are washed and a new pair of gloves is used for the next patient.

If you are anxious, spending a few minutes asking your dentist any questions you may have about health and safety precautions can put your mind at ease.

Source: Colgate palmolive