The HIV-infected health care worker and patient safety

The balance between patient protection and health care workers’ rights is one theme that emerges from Michael Gardam and coauthors’ review of the evidence for risk of HIV transmission from health care workers, particularly dentists, to patients.

Two studies have shown probable transmission during dental or surgical procedures, leading to the conclusion that the risk of transmission is small, but not negligible.

Guidelines reject mandatory testing but have variable recommendations on voluntary testing, expert review of risks and practice restrictions for health care workers with known HIV infection.

Workers at risk are considered ethically obligated to know their HIV status, and professional associations and regulatory bodies require reporting and review; however, these protocols remain potentially subject to legal challenge.

The HIV-positive dentist: balancing the rights of the health care worker and the patient

Dr. Irving Salit, Division of Infectious Disease, Toronto General Hospital.