Tetanusprofylaxe bij verwondingen. Richtlijnen voor de tandheelkundige praktijk

The severe and often fatal infection of tetanus is very rare in the Netherlands because of the mild Dutch climate and adequate vaccination programme. Nevertheless, in case of wounds, either extra- or intra-orally, tetanus prophylaxis should be considered. The immunity of the individual patient can be estimated by his vaccination record. Dentists see a large number of patients with dental trauma and/or facial wounds. Depending on the immune status of the individual patient, tetanus prophylaxis might be necessary. Especially at risk are patients with inadequate or deficient vaccination, e.g. those who spent their childhood abroad and patients who had their last immunisation over ten years ago. Vaccination in case of wounds should follow a strict protocol to prevent an inadequate tetanus prophylaxis