The hepatitis C virus is a blood borne and RNA virus. It was discovered only recently, in the late 1980's. It is transmitted when infected blood enters the blood stream of another person. Because many people with hepatitis C do not know they have the virus, it can be spread unknowingly. Transmission of the HCV by saliva alone is a remote possibility unless the saliva is contaminated by blood. The main modes of transmission are: reusing or sharing syringes, needles, and tourniquets; receipt of a blood transfusion or blood product prior to 1990; exposure through unsterile tattooing or body piercing; exposure through a penetrating injury, such as a needle stick. The risk of transmitting HCV via sexual contact is considered extremely low. It may occur if there is blood to blood contact during sex. The probability of transmission may depend on the viral load levels of the infected person.
             Dental professionals are no more likely to be infected than the general population, and their risk of becoming infected at work appears to be low. Still, because no effective vaccine or post-exposure prophylaxis is available, the rate of chronic infection is high, and treatment for HCV is of limited efficacy, HVC is a concern for health care workers who may come in contact with blood. It is especially important to prevent the transmission of HCV. In health care settings, prevention relies on the use of universal precautions, including barrier precautions and the safe handling of sharp instruments.
             Up to 60 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C, infection will develop some form of liver damage and experience symptoms that include oral health problems. Acute HCV is symptomatic in 10 to 20% of cases and clinical features resemble those of other forms of acute viral hepatitis: malaise, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. These may be mild and vary. Between 65 to 85% of all patients infected with develop a chronic infecti...