Immunology & Vaccination Basics for Dental Health Care Workers

Vocabulary flashcards covering key immunology and vaccination concepts relevant to dental health-care practice.

Acquired Immunity

Natural protection that develops after the body has been exposed to a specific pathogen (e.g., chickenpox), allowing a rapid, targeted response on re-exposure.

Artificial Immunity

Protection produced by vaccinations in which an introduced antigen stimulates the immune system without causing disease.

Immunization

The process of inducing immunity artificially through vaccines to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

Antigen

Any substance (often a protein) that triggers an immune response, including production of antibodies.

Antibody-Mediated Allergic Reaction

Immune response in which antibodies react to allergens, producing symptoms such as hay fever or asthma.

Damage to the Immune System (Allergic Response)

Harmful immune reaction to environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, cottonwood seeds) occurring at the exposure site—eyes, nose, or airways.

Healthcare-Associated Occupational Risk

Elevated chance that health professionals, including dental workers, will encounter infectious agents such as HBV, influenza, or COVID-19 at work.

Vaccine-Preventable Disease

Illness for which an effective vaccine exists (e.g., tetanus, influenza, hepatitis B).

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Severe, often fatal disease caused by tetanospasmin toxin; preventable with vaccination and boosters every ~10 years.

Clostridium tetani Endospores

Highly resistant spores that produce tetanus toxin; survive disinfection and can enter through puncture wounds (e.g., rusty nail).

Influenza

Acute respiratory infection caused by influenza A or B viruses; spreads via aerosols/droplets and requires yearly vaccination for health workers.

Incubation Period

The first stage of disease when the pathogen multiplies silently; the person feels well but can spread infection.

Aerosol/Droplet Transmission

Spread of pathogens through tiny respiratory particles expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

CDC Recommendation for Health-Care Workers

Guidance that all health professionals, including dental staff, receive annual flu shots and other indicated vaccines.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Blood-borne virus causing acute and chronic liver inflammation; highly viable outside the body and preventable via vaccination.

Universal (Standard) Precautions

Infection-control approach treating every patient as potentially infectious to prevent cross-contamination.

Indirect Transmission

Spread of pathogens via contaminated instruments, surfaces, or objects rather than direct person-to-person contact.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Blood-borne liver virus for which no vaccine exists; a concern for dental professionals despite lower transmission rates.

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)

Blood-borne virus that co-infects with HBV; immunity to HBV also protects against HDV.

Fecal-Borne Hepatitis (HAV & HEV)

Forms of hepatitis transmitted via the fecal–oral route; typically not a major risk in dental settings.

Blood-Borne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms present in blood (e.g., HBV, HCV, HIV) capable of transmission through blood exposure.

Booster Shot

Follow-up vaccine dose given after the initial series to reinforce immunity (e.g., tetanus boosters every decade).

Dental Health Care Provider (DHCP)

Any dental professional or student who may be exposed to oral pathogens and must follow infection-control protocols.

MMR Vaccine

Combined immunization protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella—required for entry into many health programs.

Varicella Zoster Vaccine

Immunization providing protection against chickenpox and shingles; recommended for health-care personnel.