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Ethics & Law · single question

A dentist with HIV: what must he do?

  1. Must report his status to all patients before treatment
  2. Must work only in research, not clinical dentistry
  3. Can continue working as a dentist with proper precautions
  4. Must stop working as a dentist permanently
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Can continue working as a dentist with proper precautions

  • A. Incorrect. Disclosure of HIV status to patients is NOT required by law. Standard universal precautions are the requirement.
  • B. Incorrect. There is no requirement to exit clinical dentistry.
  • C. Correct. HIV-positive dentists CAN CONTINUE TO PRACTICE using STANDARD PRECAUTIONS. The CDC guidelines state that HIV-infected healthcare workers who do not perform exposure-prone invasive procedures can continue working with universal precautions. The dentist is required to follow standard precautions — not to disclose or stop practicing.
  • D. Incorrect. HIV-positive dentists are NOT required to stop practicing under current ADA, CDC, and ADA guidelines.

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