Infection control issues related to pediatric dentistry.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CGuidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings--2003 addresses general infection control issues, dental practitioners face many unique situations when treating pediatric patients. Children and adolescents have varying levels of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Dental practitioners are regularly challenged to meet the psychological needs of their young patients while maintaining appropriate infection control practices. This article deals with several of the common clinical issues faced by dental practitioners who treat pediatric dental patients.