Expert: Terry B - 12/30/2008

Question
I work in the dental field and I was polishing a patients teeth.  Well, I completely forgot to wear my eye wear.  Some of the patients salivia ( no blood as I seen ) sprayed on my face ( I did have a mask on but no glasses.  Should I go and get an HIV/Aids test done?

Answer
Dear Jeanette:

Peace.  I would not see your risk for HIV as being great, but workplace exposures can be complicated.  Policy and procedures in the case of an occupational exposure to potentially infectious fluids need be carefully followed (and should be read before exposures occur).  You are at greater risk for other pathogens besides HIV (Hepatitis for example) and it is important now - and in the long term - that you:

1) Use Standard/Universal precautions at all times as prescribed in your standards of practice;
2) Review the procedures to follow in case of an occupational exposure, and;
3) Follow those procedures to the letter if possible.

I repeat, find your workplace policies and see what you can do to follow them from this point forward.  If you do and you are not infected, you'll be familiar with how to proceed should something similar happen in the future.  I am neither a physician nor an attorney, but I understand that your failure to be informed about procedures prior to the incident, your failure to use precautions, and failure to follow through with the detailed steps of the procedures might limit your employer's liability and compensation in this case if you were infected.

As for your risk, based on what you describe, it seems minimal.

I hope this helps,

Terry