[Protective measures against AIDS].

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has the same epidemiology and way of transmission as the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). The HIV is destroyed by physical or chemical means easier than HBV and the HIV concentration in the blood is less than that of HBV. This fact leads us to the conclusion that there is the risk of transmission of HIV in the surgery but it is much less than that of HBV. Consequently the protective measures taken for HBV in the surgery are adequate for the protection from HIV. Each patient before undergoing treatment should be questioned by his dentist on his general state of health. The dentist must follow strictly the sterilization and disinfection procedures of the instruments and surfaces. The dentist should himself realise that the use of gloves, eyeglasses and mask will reduce the risk of transmission of HIV.