What should a dentist or dental hygienist infected with Hepatitis B, C, or HIV do?

• A. Continue practice as usual.
• B. Follow medical advice to prevent transmission to patients and contact the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for documentation.
• C. Resign immediately.
• D. Inform patients only if asked.

Answer: (B)

When a dental professional is infected with a bloodborne pathogen, the priority is patient safety and staying within professional and regulatory guidelines. The appropriate action is to follow the treating clinician’s medical advice to prevent transmission and to obtain documentation from the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry that outlines any necessary restrictions or clearance to practice. This combined approach ensures medical decisions guide what you can and cannot do at work, while the board has an official record to protect patients and regulate licensure. Continuing to practice as usual could place patients at risk if medical clearance isn’t met. Resigning immediately isn’t automatically required and isn’t the standard route if there is a path to safe practice under medical guidance and board documentation. Informing patients only if asked falls short of the duty to protect patients and maintain trust through proactive, transparent communication and appropriate precautions.