Can a dentist transmit infection by not washing their hands?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I just went to the dentist for a general cleaning. My dentist is great and very hygienic. Today when he came into the room, he washed his hands and put on his gloves. Halfway through, he needed to go and check on another patient. He took his gloves off and left the room. I do not know whether he treated or just spoke with the other patient. He came back to my room and put the new gloves on but did not wash his hands and continued with the treatment.
He, of course, would have washed his hands in the other room. I have anxiety about my health and worry about contracting something like HIV or hepatitis. While he was cleaning my gums, there was bleeding, and I am worried that there may be a cross-infection. Am I right in thinking that it would be unlikely that he could have infected me with something like HIV or hepatitis this way? Kindly suggest.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
It is great that you are cautious about hygiene and it is perfectly fine. Your doctor would have definitely washed his hands before wearing the gloves. Secondly, HIV or hepatitis C viruses do not act on other people in seconds. It takes months or years to become active and then starts with some symptoms after years. This will not be the case. Bleeding during scaling is very common when tartar is removed at the boundaries of gums. It promotes healthier gum production later. To be clear about any viruses, you can get your relevant blood tests done like CBC (complete blood count), and HIV tests that will definitely rule out this thing in your mind.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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