Which of the following diseases is of concern to dental healthcare personnel (DHCP)?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is of significant concern to dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) due to its mode of transmission and the potential for severe health consequences. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne pathogen, meaning it can be transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. In the dental setting, where procedures often involve blood, the risk is heightened for DHCP who may come into contact with contaminated surfaces, instruments, or through needlestick injuries.

Furthermore, hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, and even liver cancer, making it a serious occupational hazard for dental professionals. Vaccination against HBV is a key preventive measure, and it is recommended for all DHCP to protect both themselves and their patients.

While measles, chickenpox, and influenza are also infectious diseases that can affect public health, they are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact, which poses a different level of risk in the dental environment compared to a bloodborne pathogen like HBV. Therefore, the focus on HBV emphasizes the need for stringent infection control practices in dental settings to prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections.