Hepatitis B Dental Facts

In general, all dental and medical professionals in Canada and the US are required to have documented proof of immunization against hepatitis B to prevent onset of the disease and to prevent transmission to patients.

Why is this needed and why are regulatory colleges so strict about it?

1. Worldwide, there were an estimated 350 million carriers of Hep B
2. 10-18% of surgeons worldwide have Hep B
3. The estimated risk of transmission from an infected worker is 240-1400 per 1 million procedures
4. The sero (blood) conversion rate from a potentially infected workers is 19-30%

Source: Anand R and Bowker C, RCDSO, The Legal and Human Rights Ramifications of Serology Testing for Dental Professionals, PEAK Bulletin May/June 2009


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Saliva Detection of Systemic Diseases

Laboratory analysis of saliva is increasingly being used to detect systemic diseases like: oral cancer, Cushing's syndrome, HIV, and hepatitis.

Source: Scientific Advances in Salivary Diagnostic Techniques, The Colgate Oral Care Report, Vol 17, No 1, 2007.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100