Blood splashes to the eyes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and the risks of HIV transmission.

The risk of transmission of HIV through blood and saliva splashes to the mucous membranes around the face is unknown. Orthopaedic surgeons are very aware of possible risks and are beginning to take appropriate precautions. This present study indicates that oral and maxillofacial surgeons have similar risk factors, and the minimal precaution of wearing protective glasses should be recommended for all intraoral and extraoral surgery.