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AIDS/Needlestick

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 7/14/2006


Question
I work in the dental field. A patient of mine is HIV positive. I was recapping a needle I used on him and pricked my finger. There was a small spot of blood. What are the chances I can get HIV? I've been told that dental needles are far too small to carry anything. But there was still blood on the needle that it what worries me.  

Answer
I have never heard that about dental needles. I have heard of a few cases of HIV being transmitted via dental utensils. HIV is transmitted when infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid and/or breast milk enters another person's body. I would recommend prophylactic treatment for a needle stick. I know that in the medical field, healthcare workers take this when they have a needle stick so I am assuming it would be available to someone in the dental field. Either way, I would suggest seeing a healthcare provider since you may have been put at risk through the stick.  

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Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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