HCV Dental Professional Obligations — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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HardBehavioural Sciences & EthicsHCV Dental Professional ObligationsORE Part 1

A dental professional is diagnosed with hepatitis C infection. They undertake procedures that may include exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). What is the most appropriate immediate course of action?

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Correct answer: A — Seek occupational health advice promptly and follow any resulting advice on EPP practice

Explanation lettering: D = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D

A is correct. A dental professional with hepatitis C must not make their own assessment of any risk to patients. GDC standard 9.2 requires prompt consultation with an appropriately qualified colleague and occupational health advice where health may place patients at risk. For a clinician undertaking EPPs, occupational health applies current UKHSA/UKAP arrangements to determine whether practice is restricted and what clearance or monitoring is required. Hepatitis C infection is not synonymous with an automatic permanent prohibition from all clinical work. B is wrong because infectivity and occupational obligations do not depend on symptoms. C is wrong because routine notification of diagnosis to the GDC and permanent cessation of all treatment are not the stated requirements. D identifies the wrong route for individual clinical fitness. E directly contradicts GDC standard 9.2.2.

Reference: UK Health Security Agency, BBVs in healthcare workers: health clearance and management, updated 15 January 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bbvs-in-healthcare-workers-health-clearance-and-management