Jihad Dagher

Dr. Dagher graduated in Dental Public Health from the Lebanese University, 1998 and persuded a University Diploma in Advanced Implant Surgery from Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon. He also got trained on Clinical and Hospital Dental treatment for Special Needs patients in Montpellier, France. He is former chairperson of Dental Public Health, Clinical Coordinator and Responsible of Infection Control Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Lebanese University. He is also in charge of the special need patients program at Baabda Hospital. He is member of the Lebanese Society of Oral Surgery and Lebanese Society of Periodontology.

Lecture title: Transmission of Infectious Agents in Dental Settings

Lecture abstract: Infection continues to be one of the most critical issues in healthcare service worldwide. Infection prevention and control of cross-contamination are essential in providing a secure environment for patients and healthcare providers within healthcare settings in general and more specifically in dental practices.

Infection transmission during dental procedures may occur through direct contact with saliva, oral fluids or blood, airborne droplets containing infective agents, or indirect contact via contaminated objects (e.g., instruments, equipment, or environmental surfaces). Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) is a constant risk and therefore high standard precautions must be implemented and followed for all patients attending dental clinics regardless of their infection status.