BEIJING DECLARATION 2009

The participants of the 6th World Workshop on Oral Health & Disease in AIDS, which took place from 21-24 April 2009 in Beijing, China, welcomed the opportunity to assess the evidence relating to the transmission of HIV in the dental setting from oral health care professionals to patients.

The participants from over 30 Countries noted and considered the inconsistencies in the regulation of the ability of an HIV positive oral health care professional to continue practice.

Having analysed the scientific evidence that has become available over the last 20 years, the participants of this workshop conclude that the evidence now supports the view that Oral Health Care Professionals with HIV do not pose a risk of transmission to patients in the dental setting. They can continue a career in clinical practice, provided that the following criteria are met:

1) The individual is under ongoing care by a suitably qualified HIV Health Care Professional

2) The individual remains aware of his/her health status and acts appropriately

3) Standard Infection Control is observed

4) Scientific evidence related to HIV transmission will continue to be reviewed.

The 6th World Workshop on Oral Health and Disease in AIDS