Dental Health Care Personnel Research Articles

A simple technical innovation to prevent needle stick injuries among dental professionals.

Dental healthcare personnel face the potential danger of being exposed to infectious patients while administering local anesthesia injections during dental operations. This could lead to unintentional transfer of infectious diseases from patients to physicians. Although safety measures such as the One-hand-scoop technique and the use of safety syringes, plastic needle cap holders, and needles with safety caps are in place, there have been instances of needle stick injuries reported in clinics. This might be due to the lack of adherence to conventional safety measures or the impracticality of safety techniques and safety syringes. This article aims to demonstrate the utilization of dental tweezers, specifically London College tweezers or dental forceps, for the secure recapping of needles, eliminating the requirement for extra equipment or devices. After obtaining ethical approval (Approval No.: 024-01-2024) from the College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, 67 dental professionals, with consent for participation in the study, were included. They were requested to use dental tweezers/London College tweezers and dental extraction forceps such as maxillary anterior, mandibular anterior, and maxillary bayonet root forceps individually to recap the local anesthetic needles. The efficacy of these techniques was evaluated against the one-hand scoop technique for its ease, convenience, and reliability in preventing needle stick injuries. The evaluation of dental professionals regarding the ease of using dental tweezers to recap needles, compared to the one-hand scoop technique (p=0.592), maxillary bayonet root forceps (p=0.746), mandibular anterior forceps (p=0.380), and maxillary anterior forceps (p=0.808), did not yield statistically significant results. The assessment of the procedural simplicity of the one-hand scoop technique showed a satisfaction rate of over 40%, whereas the application of dental tweezers resulted in a satisfaction rate of 30%. However, the use of dental tweezers for needle recapping resulted in a satisfaction rate of over 50%, compared to a satisfaction rate of 30% for the one-handed scoop technique. There is no statistically significant difference in the assessment of the efficacy of dental tweezers and the one-hand scoop technique, bayonet root forceps, mandibular anterior forceps, maxillary anterior forceps, and dental tweezers for the needle capping technique. Therefore, dental forceps can be used instead of the one-handed scoop approach. The needle recapping procedure outlined in our study, aimed at preventing needle stick injuries, is simple to implement, and all dental specialties have convenient access to the required instruments.

Microbial Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines among Dental Clinics of India- An In vitro Study.

Dental Unit Water Line (DUWL) deliver water to different handpieces in a dental unit. The water in DUWL circulates in a closed system, where it is taken from a container. The quality of dental water is of considerable importance since patients and dental staff are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated from dental equipment. Output water from DUWLs may be a potential source of infection for both dental health care personnel and patients. To assess the microbial contamination in the DUWL among dental clinics in Chennai. An in vitro study was conducted on 60 water samples from 20 dental clinics in Chennai in December 2019. Water samples were collected from three different sources of the Dental unit according to ADA guidelines. The collected samples were assessed for the presence of Aspergillus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella by agar plate method. The data were analysed using SPSS software version 20. Legionella was the most prevalent microorganism with 70% prevalence in a three-way syringe and 50% in scaler and airotor, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter with 10% prevalence in scaler and airotor and Aspergillus with a prevalence of 10% in the three-way syringe. Most of the dental units were contaminated with Aspergillus, Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter which pose a serious threat to the patients as well as the dentists.

‘Optimising Time for Effective Patient Care’: Work-sampling Analysis

Modern healthcare is increasingly complex with the growing demand of multidisciplinary care and the demand for high efficiency, but also healthcare professionals seem to be confronted with an increasing need for high-quality, timely, patient care. Current study was planned with aim to formulate guidelines for effective utilization of dental healthcare personnel and reduce patient waiting time in a peripheral dental healthcare center. A work sampling study was conducted during April 2014 on seven participating dentist posted and patients visiting at outreach dental healthcare center. A snapshot of clinical and administrative activities was recorded by trained investigator over 48 hours. A 14-item classification system was applied to categorize tasks performed by dental health care personnel (DHCP) into five categories and six categories for patient-related tasks. A total of 2,303 observations documented for dentist and 378 for patients. Documentation activities accounted for 5% and infection control for 3% and idle time for 5%. On an average, 33% of patient’s time was spent in waiting area whereas only 7% while delivering health education. To conclude, work sampling is a feasible method for defining the work experience of DHCP and for measuring the impact of administrative changes imposed to improve education or healthcare delivery.

High-volume evacuation mitigates viral aerosol spread in dental procedures

Dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are subjected to microbe-containing aerosols and splatters in their everyday work. Safer work conditions must be developed to ensure the functioning of the healthcare system. By simulating dental procedures, we aimed to compare the virus-containing aerosol generation of four common dental instruments, and high-volume evacuation (HVE) in their mitigation. Moreover, we combined the detection of infectious viruses with RT-qPCR to form a fuller view of virus-containing aerosol spread in dental procedures. The air–water syringe produced the highest number of aerosols. HVE greatly reduced aerosol concentrations during procedures. The air–water syringe spread infectious virus-containing aerosols throughout the room, while other instruments only did so to close proximity. Additionally, infectious viruses were detected on the face shields of DHCP. Virus genomes were detected throughout the room with all instruments, indicating that more resilient viruses might remain infectious and pose a health hazard. HVE reduced the spread of both infectious viruses and viral genomes, however, it did not fully prevent them. We recommend meticulous use of HVE, a well-fitting mask and face shields in dental procedures. We advise particular caution when operating with the air–water syringe. Due to limited repetitions, this study should be considered a proof-of-concept report.

Comparative Evaluation of Microbial Contamination on the Mobile Phones Used by Dental Health-care Professionals versus Faculty of School System.

Mobile phones are frequently used in environments of high bacteria presence. These can harbor various potential pathogens and become an exogenous source of nosocomial infections. Even in recent outbreak of COVID-19, it has become a point which needs to be sanitized to prevent and control further disease transmission as it is equally important for health-care professionals to use mobile phones in the hospital and other health and care settings, especially for communication. The present study was conducted to determine the potential role of mobile phones in the dissemination of disease. To compare the evaluation of microbial contamination on the mobile phones used by dental health-care professionals and faculty of senior secondary school and to access the microbial contamination of mobile phones by measuring the percentages of pathogens and to determine the type of bacteria commonly present on mobile phones. It also assesses the efficacy of 70% ethyl alcohol to be used as decontamination solution. A total of 126 mobile phones were screened in the study; 63 mobile phones belonging to dental health-care personnel from nine different specialties of dental college (Group 1 - test group) and 63 mobile phones belonging to nonhealth-care personnel like school teachers of senior schools (Group 2 - control group). All the samples were taken before and after cleaning with 70% ethyl alcohol. A total of 252 swab samples were taken. Microbial contamination was approximately 68% in swab samples taken from mobile phones before cleaning with 70% of ethyl alcohol but even with one time disinfection with alcohol, decontamination was found to be only 95% effective. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common isolated organism in swabs collected from dental college. Pathogenic bacteria were more prevalent in samples of dental college than to school samples. Ninetythree percentage of cell phones of health-care workers were contaminated and they act as potential source of nosocomial infections. Alcohol should be used to disinfect the mobile phones.

Infection Control in Dentistry: An Evaluation

The dental environment is associated with significant amount of risk for exposure to various micro- organisms. Infection control is one of the prime elements of a successful dental practice. There are many infectious diseases that can be transmitted in a dental environment. New diseases with serious consequences and a high rate of transmission have evolved in the recent past. Infection control is directed at prevention to exposure of such infections and also to prevent it being transferred from person to person. Purpose: The goal of an infection control program is to provide a safe working environment for dental health care personnel and their patients. Practitioners can achieve this by adopting measures that reduce health care-associated infections among patients and occupational exposures among dental health care personnel. It is crucial for all dental practitioners to be up to date on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, equipment, and techniques for proper infection control. Continuous evaluation of infection control practices is important. Patients and dental providers should be confident that oral health care can be delivered and received in a safe manner. Summary: Most steps in infection control routine are directed at prevention of contact with infectious agent. Personal protection barriers are of great significance in this process. Various methods like sterilization, decontamination and disinfection are indispensable. The WHO and CDC have issued certain guidelines regarding prevention and dealing with certain infective conditions. Dentists need to update themselves about these guidelines, to be able to administer these policies effectively. Use of disposable items may be expensive but is an effective and simple means of infection control. More and more disposable items are being inducted into dental practices especially critical items like needles, syringe etc. With careful evaluation and analysis, infection control routine can be employed in daily practice with the resources available. Constant monitoring and evaluation of infection control routines is required for good effectiveness.

Acceptance and Usability of an Innovative mDentistry eHygiene Model Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Within the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network: Mixed Methods Study.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other possible future infectious disease pandemics, dentistry needs to consider modified dental examination regimens that render quality care and ensure the safety of patients and dental health care personnel (DHCP). This study aims to assess the acceptance and usability of an innovative mDentistry eHygiene model amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This pilot study used a 2-stage implementation design to assess 2 critical components of an innovative mDentistry eHygiene model: virtual hygiene examination (eHygiene) and patient self-taken intraoral images (SELFIE), within the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) were used to assess the acceptance and usability of the eHygiene model. A total of 85 patients and 18 DHCP participated in the study. Overall, the eHygiene model was well accepted by patients (System Usability Scale [SUS] score: mean 70.0, SD 23.7) and moderately accepted by dentists (SUS score: mean 51.3, SD 15.9) and hygienists (SUS score: mean 57.1, SD 23.8). Dentists and patients had good communication during the eHygiene examination, as assessed using the Dentist-Patient Communication scale. In the SELFIE session, patients completed tasks with minimum challenges and obtained diagnostic intraoral photos.Patients and DHCP suggested that although eHygiene has the potential to improve oral health care services, it should be used selectively depending on patients' conditions. The study results showed promise for the 2 components of the eHygiene model. eHygiene offers a complementary modality for oral health data collection and examination in dental offices, which would be particularly useful during an infectious disease outbreak. In addition, patients being able to capture critical oral health data in their home could facilitate dental treatment triage and oral health self-monitoring and potentially trigger oral health-promoting behaviors.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

Personal protective equipment use among dental healthcare personnel during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the impact of an educational video in clinical practice.

Dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are at high risk of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We sought to identify how DHCP changed their use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to pilot an educational video designed to improve knowledge of proper PPE use. The study comprised 2 sets of semistructured qualitative interviews. The study was conducted in 8 dental clinics in a Midwestern metropolitan area. In total, 70 DHCP participated in the first set of interviews; 63 DHCP participated in the second set of interviews. In September-November 2020 and March-October 2021, we conducted 2 sets of semistructured interviews: (1) PPE use in the dental community during COVID-19, and (2) feedback on the utility of an educational donning and doffing video. Overall, 86% of DHCP reported having prior training. DHCP increased the use of PPE during COVID-19, specifically N95 respirators and face shields. DHCP reported real-world challenges to applying infection control methods, often resulting in PPE modification and reuse. DHCP reported double masking and sterilization methods to extend N95 respirator use. Additional challenges to PPE included shortages, comfort or discomfort, and compatibility with specialty dental equipment. DHCP found the educational video helpful and relevant to clinical practice. Fewer than half of DHCP reported exposure to a similar video. DHCP experienced significant challenges related to PPE access and routine use in dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. An educational video improved awareness and uptake of appropriate PPE use among DHCP.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1 st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I 2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VACCINE ACCEPTANCE AND RECOMMENDATION AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS AND FACULTY PREVIOUSLY INFECTED WITH COVID-19; A STUDY FROM SAUDI ARABIA

This study aims to explore vaccine acceptance and recommendation behaviors among clinical dental students and their faculty who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study was conducted among previously infected dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) in an academic setting to evaluate their willingness to accept vaccines and recommend them to family and patients. Logistic regression was conducted to determine significant variables associated with vaccine attitudes. Among 316 personnel 62 indicated previous infection (19.6%). Personnel who were willing to take the vaccine, or recommend it to patients, or to family were: 67.7%, 87.1%, and 85.5% respectively. Vaccine acceptance was significantly associated with vaccine awareness and number of long-term COVID-19 complications (P=.003, .033 respectively). Vaccine recommendation to family, and patients was significantly associated with vaccine awareness only (P=.005, .006 respectively). It is concluded that some previously infected academic dental personnel are unwilling to accept COVID-19 vaccines or recommend them to others. This was mainly due to lack of vaccine awareness. Efforts directed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine awareness are warranted by dental schools in collaboration with Ministry of Health authorities. It is also necessary to closely monitor, and provide support to personnel affected by long COVID

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09-1.84); I 2 = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8-82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

Assessment of Infectious Diseases Risks From Dental Aerosols in Real-World Settings.

Infectious diseases physicians are leaders in assessing the health risks in a variety of community settings. An understudied area with substantial controversy is the safety of dental aerosols. Previous studies have used in vitro experimental designs and/or indirect measures to evaluate bacteria and viruses from dental surfaces. However, these findings may overestimate the occupational risks of dental aerosols. The purpose of this study was to directly measure dental aerosol composition to assess the health risks for dental healthcare personnel and patients. We used a variety of aerosol instruments to capture and measure the bacterial, viral, and inorganic composition of aerosols during a variety of common dental procedures and in a variety of dental office layouts. Equipment was placed in close proximity to dentists during each procedure to best approximate the health risk hazards from the perspective of dental healthcare personnel. Devices used to capture aerosols were set at physiologic respiration rates. Oral suction devices were per the discretion of the dentist. We detected very few bacteria and no viruses in dental aerosols-regardless of office layout. The bacteria identified were most consistent with either environmental or oral microbiota, suggesting a low risk of transmission of viable pathogens from patients to dental healthcare personnel. When analyzing restorative procedures involving amalgam removal, we detected inorganic elements consistent with amalgam fillings. Aerosols generating from dental procedures pose a low health risk for bacterial and likely viral pathogens when common aerosol mitigation interventions, such as suction devices, are employed.

Chlorhexidine as a Disinfectant in the Prosthodontic Practice: A Comprehensive Review.

Controlling the cross-contamination between the dental clinic and laboratory is of utmost importance to maintain the health of dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) and patients. The aim of this paper was to review the current literature with regard to the use of chlorhexidine as a prosthetic disinfectant in prosthodontic practice. A scoping review of the literature was performed in Medline/PubMed, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Library. A search for all literature published from 1980 to 2021 was based on the following keywords: ['Chlorhexidine/gluconate' OR 'chlorhexidine', OR 'gluconate', OR 'denture disinfectants', OR 'antimicrobial', OR 'disinfectant', OR 'impression disinfectants, OR prosthesis' OR 'biofilm, microbiology'] OR [teeth]. We reviewed the disinfectant in terms of its mechanism of action, antimicrobial effectiveness, disinfection techniques, clinical applications, corrosiveness/damage to the structure of prostheses, and reasonable shelf life. Chlorhexidine was tested under different concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 5%. It provided a significant reduction in biofilm viability but had a minimum effect on Candida albicans with a variable effect result that showed no significant differences in the dimensional changes by immersion of alginate dental impressions for no more than 10 minutes and no clinically significant dimensional differences on aluwax, polyether, condensation siloxane, and polyvinyl siloxane were noticed. Nonetheless, chlorhexidine altered the surface of the silicone and acrylic resins and affected the long-term hardness of the relining material. Within the limitations of this review, the use of chlorhexidine disinfectant demonstrates a good measure in the reduction of contamination and cross-infection and has a minimal effect on the dimensional stability of most impression materials. Further studies with in-vitro testing are required to confirm these findings.

Assessment of dental health care personnel protocol deviations and self-contamination during personal protective equipment donning and doffing

BackgroundDental health care personnel (DHCP) may be at increased risk of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other clinically important pathogens. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces occupational exposure to pathogens. The authors performed an assessment of PPE donning and doffing practices among DHCP, using a fluorescent marker as a surrogate for pathogen transmission. MethodsParticipants donned PPE (that is, disposable gown, gloves, face mask, and eye protection) and the fluorescent marker was applied to their palms and abdomen. DHCP then doffed PPE according to their usual practices. The donning and doffing processes were video recorded, areas of fluorescence were noted, and protocol deviations were assessed. Statistical analyses included frequency, type, and descriptions of protocol deviations and factors associated with fluorescence. ResultsSeventy DHCP were enrolled. The donning and doffing steps with the highest frequency of protocol deviations were hand hygiene (66% of donning and 78% of doffing observations involved a deviation) and disposable gown use (63% of donning and 60% of doffing observations involved a deviation). Fluorescence was detected on 69% of DHCP after doffing, most frequently on hands. An increasing number of protocol deviations was significantly associated with increased risk of fluorescence. DHCP with a gown doffing deviation, excluding doffing out of order, were more likely to have fluorescence detected. ConclusionsDHCP self-contamination was common with both donning and doffing PPE. Practical ImplicationsProper use of PPE is an important component of occupational health.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09-1.84); I 2 = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8-82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

An Assessment of Compliance with Infection Control Protocols amongst Dental Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria.

Dental practitioners are at a very high risk of cross infection due to multiple exposures with patients who may be asymptomatic carriers of infectious diseases. The study focused on Dental Health Care Personnel who are presently working in the Dental Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and it assessed the compliance to infection control practices. A self-administered questionnaire containing closed and open-ended questions was used. Information sought included; socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, duration as DHCP, knowledge of transmissible infections in dental clinics, level of compliance with infection control protocols and reasons for non-compliance. One hundred and thirty-five (135) Dental Health Care Personnel of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital were enrolled for this study. However, a total of one hundred and eleven questionnaires were properly filled and returned for analysis, giving a response rate of 82.2%. Fifty-two (46.8%) respondents, had good compliance, twelve (10.8%), had fair compliance and forty-seven (42.3%) had poor level of compliance. Although, the average level of compliance of the DHCP of UBTH was good, some basic important principles were not being observed. The study concludes in the affirmative that strict observance of standard infection control practices is possible.

Assessment of the Knowledge of Infectious Diseases and Their mode of Transmission Among Dental Health Care Personnel in a Tertiary Health Institution in Southern Nigeria

Background: Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP) and clinical students in training are constantly exposed to saliva and oral fluids in the course of carrying out oral health care procedures. For optimum observance of infection control protocols, there is a need for adequate and appropriate knowledge of infectious agents and their mode of transmission in order to prevent cross infection in a dental clinic setting.
 Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of infectious agents transmissible in a dental clinic among dental health care personnel and final year clinical students and nurses in a tertiary health facility.
 Methods: This paper is a cross-sectional descriptive study which used a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. A convenient sampling technique was applied and a total of 111 DHCP and final year clinical students and nurses were recruited into the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 16 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Bivariate analysis showed that the dentist cadre had the best level of knowledge of infectious agents transmissible in dental clinics. This, however, was not statistically significant p=0.298
 Results: A total of one hundred and eleven respondents, ages ranging from 15 to 55 years and with a mean age of 31.0±5.5 participated in this study. More than two-third 75(67.6%) of the respondents were dental surgeons and the least 2(1.8%) were the dental hygienist. More males 63(56.8%) participated in the study and most respondents 107(96.4%) were Christians. Fifty-five (49%) had good knowledge, 9(8.1%) had fair knowledge, and 47(42.3%) had poor knowledge of infectious diseases/conditions transmissible in dentistry. Respondents’ status was not a determinant of the level of knowledge, p=0.298.
 Conclusion: The average knowledge of the DHCP, final year clinical students and dental student nurses in this study was good, but their knowledge about HDV and infectious bacteria in dental unit water was poor.

Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique: A Way towards "SMART" Pediatric Dentistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic outbreak continues to be a global public health concern, dentists should seek means to provide oral health care with minimal risk. To meet the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, alternative non-aerosol generating techniques have been proposed to minimize the risk of disease transmission to patients and dental healthcare personnel. Among recent materials, silver diammine fluoride (SDF) has been shown to be effective in preventing and arresting caries. This along with an atraumatic restorative treatment with glass ionomer cements (GICs) makes it a potentially attractive adjunctive therapy for caries management in pediatric patients. In this technique, SDF is applied over carious tissue and the lesion is restored with auto-polymerizing GIC. This review article aims to provide a practical background and clinical guide for the application of silver-modified atraumatic restorative technique (SMART) as a safe way to provide dental services to children during the pandemic.

Integrating dental care as a protocol in the management of children with cleft lip and palate

Children born with cleft lip/palate need regular dental care from birth till adulthood. Special feeding requirements, maintenance of oral hygiene, prevention and treatment of dental disease are essential components of oral healthcare provided by dental health care personnel. Malaligned teeth and dental anomalies should be addressed by orthodontics, guided by the developmental stage of the child. For the unmet need of dental care to be mitigated, it is essential that the core and coordinating teams be aware of the need for regular dental care visits. Each team needs to formulate sustainable oral health policies in their management protocol.