Interview p27|Revalidation p40|Product news p75|
Let HIV dentists work, says indemnity organisation
EXCLUSION
A leading indemnity provider is challenging the Department of Health to withdraw the rule that stops HIV positive dentists from treating patients.
Dental Protection argues that it is 20 years since the ‘draconian rules’ were introduced and cur- rent evidence suggests that there is no risk of transmission from dentist to patients. It claims that many UK den- tists, hygienists and therapists have lost their livelihoods because they have been forced to stop working.
The rules banning HIV positive dental professionals from treat- ing patients were introduced as a precautionary measure after the case of Dr Acer in the US who
was thought to have infected six patients with the AIDS virus. No other transmissions of the dis- ease have ever been recorded in a dental setting since.
Kevin Lewis, director of Dental Protection, called on the Department of Heath to show
“HIV infected dentists can continue to prac- tise safely with no risk to patients, subject only to some very clear and manageable
criteria being met” Kevin Lewis, Dental Protection
greater fairness and a more con- sistent application of the evidence. He said: “Dental Protection has championed the cause of HIV-infected dental
health professionals for more than a decade in several parts of the world and will continue to take action against this kind of unfair and discriminatory treat- ment of its members. “The international evidence base is overwhelming and the Beijing Declaration unequivocal in confirming that HIV infected dentists can continue to practise safely with no risk to patients, subject only to some very clear and manageable criteria being met.
“In every other area of profes- sional activity, dental health professionals are directed to fol- low the evidence base, but HIV has for too long remained a sin- gular exception – during which time careers have been destroyed.”
News IN BRIEF
CHRISTMAS APPEAL The British Dental
Association has launched a special Christmas Appeal to raise money for dental professionals who find themselves in need this festive season. A spokesman for the BDA said: “As a UK regis- tered charity, the Benevolent Fund offers support to dentists and their families in times of need, and can make a vital difference to their lives.” The Fund provides sup- port through grants and interest-free loans.”
® If you or anyone you know requires the fund’s help , call Sally Atkinson on 020 7486 4994 or email dentistshelp @
btconnect.com
Scottish Dental magazine 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74