After which condition can dental work be performed safely?

Dental work can be performed safely after Hepatitis A because, unlike Hepatitis B or HIV, Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that primarily affects the liver but does not promote chronic illness or long-term viral persistence in the body. Once an individual has recovered from Hepatitis A, they typically gain lifelong immunity, and there is no risk of transmission through saliva or other body fluids in the context of dental procedures.

In contrast, Hepatitis B and HIV are bloodborne pathogens that can remain in the body for a long time, posing a risk of transmission during dental work if precautions are not taken. COVID-19, while concerning due to its respiratory transmission, also carries specific protocols for management to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare providers. However, the infectious nature of Hepatitis A and the subsequent development of lifelong immunity upon recovery make it distinct in this context, allowing for safer dental treatment once the acute phase has resolved.