HomeAnswersDentistrydisease transmissionCan a dentist transmit infections by not washing hands before putting on gloves?

My dentist did not wash his hands before putting on gloves. Could he have infected me?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Tooba Qazi

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At March 27, 2020
Reviewed AtMarch 23, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I just went to the dentist for general cleaning. My dentist is great and very hygenic. Today when he came into the room, he washed his hands and put on 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 his he needed to treat or just talk to the other patient. He came back to my room and put new gloves on but did not wash his hands and continued. 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 maybe there was cross-infection. Am I right thinking that it would be unlikely that he could have infected me with something like HIV or hepatitis this way?

Answered by Dr. Tooba Qazi

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

That is great that you are cautious about hygiene. But 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. For being clear about any viruses, you can get your relevant blood tests done like CBC (complete blood count), HIV tests done that will definitely rule out this thing in your mind.

Take care.

Stay blessed and happy.

Feel free to ask any further queries.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Tooba Qazi
Dr. Tooba Qazi

Dentistry

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dentistry

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy