Dental Public Health Specialist University of Toronto
Disclosure(s):
Mona Abdelrehim, BDS, MSc, PhD, MSc (DPH), FRCD(C), Diplomate-ABDPH: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract:
Objectives: Syphilis cases are on the rise in Canada, with 13,953 reported in 2022—an 11% increase from 2021 and a 109% rise since 2018. Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect oral syphilitic lesions, particularly among high-risk groups, and play a crucial role in disease prevention and management. This narrative review examines the role of oral health professionals in identifying, preventing, and managing syphilis.
Methods: We conducted a literature review to assess the clinical presentation, detection and management of syphilis by dental professionals. Key topics included the epidemiology of syphilis, risk factors, modes of transmission relevant to healthcare providers, and the public health implications for dental practices. A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published in English from 2010 to 2024, supplemented by public health reports.
Results: Oral syphilitic lesions often serve as early indicators of infection, providing dentists with opportunities to identify these lesions and refer patients for treatment. Dentists working with high-risk groups—such as individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds or Indigenous communities—can play a crucial role in interrupting transmission chains. While the risk of occupational transmission to oral health professionals is low, caution is warranted due to potential exposure from oral lesions or accidental needle pricks.
Conclusion: Dentists play a vital role in the detection and prevention of syphilis through timely identification and referral. By actively participating in these efforts, they can help mitigate the disease burden of syphilis and contribute to public health initiatives aimed at reducing its prevalence.
