How to Help During a Measles Outbreak Dentists may not be the first health professionals the public thinks of in an infectious disease outbreak, but Dr. Salvadori believes they are well-positioned to contribute. “The most important thing is to make sure that the whole dental team is immune to measles,” she says. Dr. Salvadori’s recommendations for dental practices begin with verifying that all staff are immune to measles—everyone with direct patient care should have two doses of measles-containing vaccine or an IgG positve for measles, regardless of year of birth. “You work in very close range with your team for long periods of time. This is an airborne disease, one of the most infectious diseases that we know of,” she says. Having 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine is almost 100% effective at preventing measles. Dr. Salvadori encourages direct contact with local public health units in any case of suspected measles, as these teams can offer immediate advice and support tailored to the specific situation. immune and encounter the virus will become infected. The virus can spread to others before the characteristic rash appears, meaning people can pass it on before they even know they have measles. Be an Advocate for Vaccines Dr. Salvadori suggests other practical steps dentists may consider, such as posting vaccine information in waiting rooms, asking new patients about their vaccination status, and expressing your own beliefs about the benefits of vaccination. When addressing misinformation, she cautions against blunt refutation, explaining that “just refuting can actually polarize people more.” Instead, she recommends starting with an open-ended question like, “Tell me what you’re most worried about,” and responding directly to those concerns. Dentists can also refer patients to physicians or specialized vaccine hesitancy clinics. To stay informed, Dr. Salvadori recommends several reliable sources that can help dentists keep their knowledge current and respond effectively during outbreaks. The Canadian Immunization Guide, published by PHAC, provides comprehensive information on vaccines and immunization protocols. Dentists can also benefit from regularly checking provincial and local public health websites and subscribing to their newsletters for updates and guidance. Finally, she encourages direct contact with local public health units in any case of suspected measles, noting that these teams can offer immediate advice and support tailored to the specific situation. Dr. Salvadori believes that a dental office is a high-risk setting for measles transmission, and any suspicion of measles should prompt immediate contact with the local public health unit. “People at the public health unit have built strong relationships with the affected communities and are doing a good job of working with them,” she says. Her final message to dentists: a subtle word from a dentist to a patient about the effectiveness of vaccines and their importance to long term public health can make a difference. She also advises screening patients, postponing nonurgent care for anyone suspected of having measles, and, in urgent cases, coordinating with hospitals to follow infection control protocols, including the use of negative pressure rooms, if possible. Dentists can also monitor local outbreak activity by subscribing to public health updates, particularly in high-risk areas. Dr. Salvadori also suggests that dentists consider having the best protective measures, including N-95 masks and enhanced air exchanges. “The only way to protect yourself in addition to being vaccinated is to wear an N-95 and have good air exchanges,” she says. Beyond the typical early symptoms—fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis—dentists can look for Koplik spots. “These are little white dots on the buccal mucosa that appear two to three days before the rash,” Dr. Salvadori says. These are symptoms specifically characteristic or indicative for measles and more likely to be noticed by dental professionals than physicians. Anyone who contracts measles can develop complications, but some people are at greater risk of severe illness. These include children under age five, especially infants who are too young to be vaccinated, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. More than 90% of people who are not The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official policies of the Canadian Dental Association. Watch an interview with Dr. Salvadori on measles on CDA Oasis at: bit.ly/4ntP8sc 14 | 2025 | Issue 5 News and Events
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