An update on the human immunodeficiency virus and infection control.

This report is not an attempt to provide a comprehensive review of HIV infection, AIDS, and infection control. Rather it has highlighted some of the medical, ethical and legal aspects associated with the AIDS dilemma which are of significance to the dental profession. There would appear to be few if any valid professional reasons which a dentist may use to avoid treating an HIV infected or AIDS patient. In fact, dentists adopting such an attitude may be subject to litigation. From a research perspective, it is feasible that continuing monitoring of the oral manifestations of AIDS and its associated diseases will contribute much information regarding the responses of the oral tissues to immunosuppression. This, in turn, may result in a better appreciation of common dental diseases especially periodontitis. The information on infection control has emphasized how a knowledge of the basic microbiologic concepts regarding disease transmission should be used as the foundation for effective prevention of disease transmission.