Melanie E. Patterson, RDH, BSDH, is a recent graduate of the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. She works for a general dentistry practice in Grapevine, Texas. Patterson can be reached at: melanie.patterson89@yahoo.com.
Although the risk of transmission is low in dental settings, oral health professionals should be knowledgeable of any regulations requiring disclosure of an infectious disease.