From Volume 52, Issue 6, June 2025 | Pages 392-398
Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are progressive, fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Prion disease and dentistry has been subject to research owing to the significance of cross-contamination with dental instruments. This article discusses the provision of dental treatment for patients with prion disease, focusing on a patient with hereditary prion disease in a special care dental department.
Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are progressive, fatal neurodegenerative conditions.1,2 Prion disease and dentistry is an area of research that has been examined many times in the past owing to the significance of cross-contamination with dental instruments.3 Prions are very stable molecules, which make them difficult to denature with normal sterilization techniques.4 Because of this, it is important to consider the risk of transmission within the dental setting. There is limited information focusing on the specific subtype of hereditary prion diseases as well as the impact on affected patients in dental departments.
This article discusses the differences between prion diseases and the implications for the provision of patient-centred care. It reports on a case seen in a special care dental department of a patient with hereditary prion disease.
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