As a dental lab technician, am I entitled to know about a patients HIV status?
I work at a dental lab, making removable dentures. Does the HIPPA law restrict a dentist from telling the lab about any infectious illnesses the patient may have?
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I don’t think so, as long as the patient signs the HIPPA form. We tell our lab guys!
The HIPPA law may restrict what you are told, although I don’t know by how much. I know most dentists are not allowed to discuss the personal information given to them by patient with outside contractors such as labs.
I would hope the offices are spraying the impressions before sending them to you to break the cycle of cross contamination, as well as doing the same at your lab.
In any event, you can never be 100% sure the info you are getting from your dentists is accurate or not. Some cases you think are disease free will not be, and the ones you are worried about may be completely safe. Treat each case like it may do you harm, and disinfect them before you work with them.