World Hepatitis Day is highlighted on 28th July every year with the goal of disseminating hepatitis awareness and information, encouraging people to seek prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

According to 2015 WHO statistics, over 325 million were suffering from Hepatitis B or C virus. People die at an alarming rate of around 1.34 million due to viral hepatitis every year.

Viral #hepatitis is preventable. Know how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Consult a health care worker and get tested if you are at risk.

It is time to #TestTreatHepatitis! pic.twitter.com/ED4O4PsIsR

— World Health Organization Philippines (@WHOPhilippines) July 28, 2018

Earlier, dentists were at high risk as they had little information about Hepatitis B and C vaccination. Dentists must consider every patient a potential carrier of hepatitis for prevention measures. Various studies were conducted on Hepatitis to aggregate information and create awareness amongst dental professionals.

Meanwhile, dentists and clinical staff are vaccinated and tested thoroughly during their training period. Prophylactic vaccination and sterilisation mitigate risks. However, dentists need to handle sharp instruments carefully.