Measles in Dentistry: What Dental Teams Need to Know

With measles cases on the rise in the United States, dental professionals are increasingly being urged to reexamine their infection control protocols. Once considered nearly eradicated, measles is resurging due to lower vaccination rates and increased international travel. As a highly contagious airborne virus, measles poses unique challenges in dental environments, where aerosol-generating procedures and close contact are routine.

Measles can present with a range of symptoms, including high fever, cough, and the hallmark red rash. However, dental professionals should also be alert to early oral indicators such as Koplik spots—small, bluish-white lesions on the buccal mucosa that often appear before the rash. Early recognition in the dental chair may provide a rare opportunity for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Given the high transmissibility of the measles virus and the vulnerability of some patient populations, dental offices must maintain strict infection control protocols. This includes screening patients for symptoms or exposure history, adhering to OSHA and CDC guidelines, and ensuring all staff are up-to-date on immunizations. Informed dental teams play a critical role in protecting both patient health and public safety.

To support dental professionals in navigating this growing public health concern, MyDentalCE.com now offers a dedicated 2-credit continuing education course: Measles: An Understanding for Dental Professionals. The course provides in-depth coverage of measles pathology, transmission, clinical and oral signs, infection prevention, and the ethical responsibilities of dental teams.

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