Changing requirements for sterilization

Abstract

As there is an ever increasing demand being placed upon individual dentists to provide more dental care for more patients, improvement in combating crossinfection is required. With the evidence presented showing that viral hepatitis can and has been spread in dental offices among dentists and patients, it is deemed essential that the dental profession recognizes and corrects this hazard in the operating environment. This hazard also exists for auxiliary personnel for which the dental profession is responsible. As viral hepatitis has been transferred in the dental operatory, other disease processes may well have a similar and common origin. Infection may result from any degree of penetration of the epithelium or mucous membrane of the oral cavity with the use of improperly sterilized instruments. Many procedures in dentistry disrupt the natural defense mechanisms in the oral cavity, so all instruments and equipment used should be properly sterilized. This review is part of a continuing study to recognize and correct the problems associated with cross-contamination in dentistry today and can, therefore, be considered a progress report. It is intended to stimulate the dental profession as the only qualified and competent group to anticipate improvement in its methods and techniques to control cross-infection among its patients, its members, and its auxiliary personnel for the benefit of all.