The role of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration in protecting dental and other healthcare workers dates from the OSH Act of 1970, when Congress mandated the Secretary of Labor to set required health and safety standards for workers of all industries, including healthcare. This effort culminated with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard that became effective regulation in Kentucky on 4 October 1992. Hepatitis B was the catalyst that caused formulation and execution of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. HBV can be transmitted readily through blood, other bodily fluids, and tissues or organs.
Dental professionals have an excess risk that can be three to five times that of the general public.
Although the methods of transmission of HBV and HIV are similar, the rate of transmission varies greatly. The purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is to reduce the significant risk to employees and student dentists of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV disease and AIDS, and other bloodborne diseases in occupational settings.