Dental Professionals and Bioterrorism

Terror is a Latin word which means to frighten. Terrorism usually refers to killing of innocent people by antisocial groups with the vested interest of their own. Terrorism is practiced by collecting people from different regions, religions, of different age groups, by keeping objectives like social, economic or political. Sometimes terrorists stop or discriminate their activities once they achieve their goal. Bioterrorism is the intentional use of biological agents or their products to cause harm. Sometimes such attacks might be done to create a publicity or media spectacle. It is the unlawful use of force and violence against people. Biological weapon can strike suddenly without any warning and cause hazardous effects for longer duration. The effectiveness of the attack not lies in the act itself but also in the reaction of public and Government. Delivery of the biological agents can be through letters, parcels, toys, food items, books or anything. It is easy for bioterrorist to transfer the agents through these media or environment. Biologic weapons have been used since ancient times in war and more recently by terrorists. Dentistry can contribute valuable assets, both in personnel and in facilities, to the preparation for and in the immediate response to a bioterrorist attack and its aftermath. These assets can make a significant difference in the outcome. The aim of this comprehensive review is to present a comprehensive view of the role of dental professionals in bioterrorism.