Herpes

I have the herpes virus. Can I still pursue a career in dentistry?

I recently was diagnosed with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Will I still be able to pursue becoming a dentist?

Public Comments

1. I honestly don't see why you couldn't but.....you know there have been some strange cases of strange stuff. You might want to ask an official.
2. you can but be extra careful when u have a cold sore not to touch your mouth then your patients mouth. with hhsv2 it souldn't matter all that much since patients cant contract it just bu touching u. i have both types as well.
3. I have a dentist friend who has HSV1. HE practices dentistry. I assume this is NOT sufficient to preclude you from pursuing a career in dental medicine. However, that said, the latex gloves one would use to do a dental procedure would help prevent transmission of herpes to the patient or vise-versa. Keep in mind Herpes can be transmitted to several other body parts, such as fingers, eyes, breasts, anus, and internal organs as well. I would assume as long as your outbreaks don't effect transmission of the virus to a patient, that you should indeed be able to become a dentist. Do they test for STDs prior to becoming a dentist? I don't know that one. Interestingly, as a Dentist, I would be more concerned about contracting the virus as opposed to "giving" it to someone. You have to put your fingers into people's mouths every day for a living... 80% of the adult population has HSV1, and/or HSV2 antibodies, and could have viral "shedding" at anytime without you knowing it. When you become a dentist, ALWAYS ALWAYS wear gloves when doing an exam. NEVER get lazy. A person with viral HSV1 shedding from the mouth (or HSV2) can give you herpes whitlow. The seriousness of Herpes 1 and 2 are very much understated. Especially HSV1. In my opinion, grade school children should be given lessons on this, because many children contract HSV1 by virtue of "innocent" transmission from "Aunt Bessy" who has a "cold sore" . Come here little girl, a kiss on the lips for you?.... and a shot of viral HSV1 to go... Read up on this to learn just how serious this virus can be in someone's life. A good web-site for learning about this is http://www.herpes-coldsores.com
4. yes why not unless you have intercourse and makeout with your patients it shouldnt matter.
5. YES BABY I MEAN JUST PROCEED WITH CAUTION JUST LIKE ANY OTHER DENTIST WOULD!!!!!! DON'T WORRY EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TAKE CARE BABY GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!
6. Yes! You can't spread the virus just by touch (unless of course you were just playing with your sores). You also can't spread the virus through the blood. This is a nerve disease! Go here to learn more! http://www.herpes.com/hsv1-2.html
7. Are you talking about oral herpes? It's estimated that 75% of the population have it, so I most likely have seen a dentist with it. Pretty unlikely I haven't really.