Dental patient AIDS concerns
 A recent survey of dental patients
in the Woodbridge area and nation wide showed that patient protection was #1 on their list of concerns about dental care. Some patients have even quit going to the
dentist because of their fears.
Fortunately, trips to Dr. Tarpley's office have never been safer. The case in
Florida where the patient was apparently infected with the AIDS virus by
her dentist is the only such case out of tens of millions of dental
treatments performed since the introduction of the virus. The Center for
Disease Control still does not know the method of infection.
However, even one case is too many. At Lake Ridge Dental Care we have responded by adopting "universal (or standard) precautions". These involve sterilizing all instruments in dry-heat ovens or steam autoclaves to kill any bacteria. Disposable items are used whenever possible.
The chance of contracting an infection in the dental chair is extremely
remote, but the chance of losing one's teeth because of lack of proper
dental care is extremely likely.
If you have any concerns, please call us at (703) 670-7071 today.
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