Opinion abstract
British Dental Journal 195, 557 - 561 (2003)
Published online: 22 November 2003 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4810723
- Proper universal infection control protocols should be conscientiously followed in dental practice, subjected to regular review and periodically relaunched.
- The dental profession must remain vigilant for the emergence of new and potentially damaging pathogens.
- New pathogens may have characteristics that are not catered for by existing universal infection control procedures.
- Good communication and trust amongst the members of the dental team are essential parts of infection control.
Abstract
During the three months from March 2003 the economically vibrant city of Hong Kong was seriously dislocated after becoming 'second port of call' of the new and potentially fatal disease, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The uncertainties during that period had a significant impact on the provision of dental care. However the city's only dental hospital continued to function and to support the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong in educating dental students and other members of the dental team. At the time of writing no transmissions of the disease have been attributed to procedures associated with dental healthcare. This article chronicles the sequence of events during the outbreak from a dental perspective. It highlights information that may be useful to dental colleagues who might someday be confronted with similar outbreaks of newly emerged potentially lethal infections.