MRSA: an important consideration for geriatric dentistry practitioners.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause life-threatening disease in older populations. MRSA is readily spread by patient to patient or by health care workers to patient contact. Implications for dental practitioners include the fact that they may be passive vectors for the disease and that dental treatment of patients with active MRSA infections must follow effective infection control practices.