LAHORE: The importance of protecting dental professionals and patients from blood-borne infections came into focus at the Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences (FJIDS), Lahore, where US-based infectious diseases physician Dr Saima Abbas led an interactive educational session on infection prevention, occupational exposure risks and post-exposure management.
Dr Abbas, who also serves as Chair of the APPNA MERIT HIV Committee, praised the institute's clinical facilities and infection control practices following her visit, expressing particular appreciation for the measures implemented across its clinical settings and the enthusiastic participation of students and healthcare professionals.
The session, titled “Infection Control in Dentistry,” was held on the theme “Blood-Borne Pathogens in Health Care: Risk, Prevention & Post-Exposure Management,” and the programme highlighted the importance of occupational safety and preparedness in dental practice.
FJIDS subsequently announced the successful conclusion of the programme, describing Dr Abbas's presentation as a highly interactive and insightful discussion on blood-borne pathogens.
Addressing occupational infection risks in dentistry
Dental professionals routinely face potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens through needlestick injuries, contaminated instruments and contact with infectious materials during clinical procedures.
Among the principal occupational concerns are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), making effective preventive measures and timely responses to accidental exposure essential.
International recommendations, including those issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasise standard precautions such as hand hygiene, appropriate protective equipment, safe sharps handling, instrument sterilisation and established post-exposure procedures.
Against this backdrop, the FJIDS session brought specialist infectious diseases knowledge into the dental education environment, addressing a subject directly relevant to students, clinicians and other healthcare personnel involved in patient care.
Dr Saima Abbas commends FJIDS clinical facilities
An important aspect of Dr Abbas's visit was her positive assessment of the institute's clinical environment and the infection prevention measures she observed. She thanked Prof Armaghan Mirza, Dean of FJIDS and Patron-in-Chief of the programme, for providing her with the opportunity to raise awareness about infection control.
She also praised the audience for their participation and the quality of interaction during the programme.
“The audience asked excellent questions and we had a good discussion,” she said.
Her observations reflected a positive educational exchange, with participants engaging directly with an infectious diseases specialist on issues relevant to occupational health and clinical safety.
Academic leadership and professional collaboration
The programme was held under the patronage of Prof Armaghan Mirza, Dean of Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences, whose support was specifically acknowledged by Dr Abbas.
Dr M Azeem, MPH, Director of the Department of Medical Education (DME), FJIDS, coordinated the event, while Dr Amna Amanat and Dr Aneequa Sajjad served as co-facilitators.
The programme also featured APPNA MERIT — Medical Education, Research, International Training and Transfer of Technology, reflecting the broader emphasis on professional education, international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Dr Abbas's participation as a US-based infectious diseases physician and Chair of the APPNA MERIT HIV Committee added an international specialist perspective to the academic engagement.
Engaging students and healthcare professionals
The session was designed for a diverse audience, including Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, teaching staff, consultants, dental surgeons, demonstrators, speciality registrars, postgraduate residents (PGRs), dental nurses and allied health practitioners.
The involvement of different professional groups reflected the multidisciplinary nature of dental healthcare, where patient safety depends on coordinated clinical practices and shared professional responsibilities.
For students preparing to enter clinical practice, the programme provided an opportunity to engage with an experienced infectious diseases specialist and strengthen their understanding of occupational health challenges.
For practising professionals, it reinforced the value of continuing education and keeping clinical knowledge aligned with established safety recommendations.
An encouraging exchange with future dental professionals
The programme highlighted the value of connecting international medical expertise with dental education, particularly in areas where clinical knowledge directly influences professional practice and patient safety.
For FJIDS, the session represented an opportunity to strengthen academic engagement while encouraging students and healthcare professionals to approach occupational safety as an essential part of their clinical responsibilities.
Such initiatives also underline the role of dental teaching institutions in preparing future practitioners through specialist interaction, practical awareness and continuing professional development.
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