Infection Control In Dental Practice Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Disinfectants on Impression Materials.

Background The disinfection of dental impression materials is a cornerstone of infection control in dental practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite and iodophor, on alginate and silicone impression materials, which are prone to microbial contamination. Methods The study was structured into two main groups based on the impression material: Group I (alginate) and Group II (addition silicone), each further subdivided into two subgroups for disinfection with sodium hypochlorite and iodophor. For each subgroup, initial microbial swabs were taken before any treatment, followed by a second swab after rinsing and a final swab after disinfection. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, standard deviations, and standard errors of the mean were calculated for each stage of treatment. Results Prior to disinfection, Group I had a mean CFU count of 2,529.40, while Group II had a lower mean CFU of 1,417.40. After rinsing, there was a significant decrease in CFUs in both groups, with Group I at 1,337.10 and Group II at 415.10. Post-disinfection, Group I showed a mean CFU count of 73.00 for sodium hypochlorite and 0.00 for iodophor. Similarly, Group II achieved a CFU reduction of 99.00 with sodium hypochlorite and 0.00 with iodophor, demonstrating a marked reduction in microbial presence. Conclusion Iodophor was exceptionally effective in disinfecting both alginate and silicone impression materials, eliminating all detectable CFUs. Sodium hypochlorite also significantly reduced microbial counts but was not as effective as iodophor. Rinsing prior to disinfection was instrumental in reducing the microbial load, underscoring its importance in the disinfection protocol.

Patients’ perception of infection control in dentistry

Background: Dentistry is a high-risk profession for infections due to exposure to contaminated materials like blood, saliva, and instruments. Both dental staff and patients can contract diseases via person-to-person contact or contaminated objects. Objectives: To assess patient perception of infection control practices in dentistry which will help in planning effective public health care delivery. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 170 patients visiting Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) over the period of three months (2022 June to 2022 August) for any form of dental treatment. Ethical approval was granted by Institutional Review Committee of KMCTH on 8th June 2021. Data obtained were entered and analysed using SPSS v.21. Results: Majority of the participants believed dentists should wear gloves (164, 96.7%), face masks (159, 93.8%), and eye goggles (105, 61.9%) while treating patients, and 152 (89.6%) of participants agreed that dentist should change gloves between patients. However, nearly half of the participants were not hesitant to receive treatment from the dentist not wearing gloves (82, 48.3%) and mask (86, 50.7%). In total, 119 (70.2%) agreed that it was possible to catch an infection during dental treatment and 121 (71.3%) did take interest in sterilisation of instruments but only 21 (12.3%) always asked their dentist about the method of sterilisation. Conclusion: Patients possess a strong awareness of the importance for infection control in dental practice, however, this study underscores the importance of implementing effective infection control measures in dental settings to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

Infection Control in Dental Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Is Changed?

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our lives. Since the SARS-CoV-2 was discovered, many studies have been done on the transmission mode, its replication within humans, and its survival even in the outside environment and on inanimate surfaces. Undoubtedly, health care workers have faced the greatest risks because of their close contact with potentially infected patients. Of these, dental health care professionals are certainly among the most vulnerable categories, precisely because infection occurs with the airborne virus. The treatment of patients within the dental office has changed profoundly, respecting all preventive measures towards the patient and the practitioners themselves. The aim of this paper is to understand whether the protocols changed for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dentists remained even after the most acute phase of the pandemic. In particular, this study analyzed habits, protocols, preventive measures, and any costs incurred in the COVID-19 era for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dental workers and patients.

Human Monkeypox: Oral Implications and Recommendations for Oral Screening and Infection Control in Dental Practice.

The World Health Organization declared the spread of the human monkeypox virus (MPXV) an "emerging threat of moderate health concern" on 23 June 2022. Although about 20,000 cases of Monkeypox (MPX) were recorded in Europe and more than 28,000 in the United States from May to October 2022, their number is still small compared to the number of dental patients treated annually. Therefore, the likelihood of oral healthcare workers encountering an MPX case is relatively low in not endemic regions. In addition, MPX-positive individuals are considered contagious only during the prodromal or acute phase. However, the exact shedding and transmission routes of MPX and the associated risk of transmission in the dental setting remain unclear. Moreover, infected subjects whose disease is confined to the head and neck may require oral and dental care because they complain of lymphadenopathy involving the cervical lymph nodes. Furthermore, MPX lesions may first appear in the oral cavity or perioral area. Therefore, given the recent spread of MPXV in non-endemic areas where dentists are not used to considering this disease in the differential diagnosis and taking appropriate preventive measures, all oral healthcare providers nowadays should be aware of the oral presentation of MPX for adequate oral screening and appropriate preventive measures for infection control in the dental practice.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Dental Unit Waterline System Decontamination among Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students in Universiti Sains Malaysia

Introduction: Dental unit waterline system (DUWLS) decontamination is an important infection control in dental practice. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude towards DUWLS decontamination and its associated factors among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire administered online using Google Forms to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental students towards DUWLS decontamination. Descriptive and inferential statistics using independent t-test, Pearson, and Spearman correlation were carried out using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A total of 169 dental students participated in the study, and the majority were female (71.6%) and Malay (59.2%). The mean (SD) age was 23.2 (0.93) and 34.4 (2.65), for the undergraduates and postgraduates, respectively. The mean (SD) knowledge scores for the undergraduates and postgraduates were 11.6 (4.23) and 18.0 (2.82), respectively, whereas the mean attitude scores were 51.3 (7.86) and 54.6 (4.74), respectively. The postgraduates had significantly higher mean knowledge and attitude scores than the undergraduates (p<0.001). The significant factors associated with the undergraduates’ knowledge were received information and guidance and their personal experience in managing DUWLS (p<0.05). However, only received information on DUWLS was significantly associated with the postgraduate’s knowledge score (p=0.011). Age factor had a significant association with the attitude score among the postgraduates (p=0.014). Conclusion: The knowledge regarding DUWLS decontamination was relatively moderate in both groups. However, both groups showed a favourable attitude towards DUWLS decontamination. Significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores were presented among the postgraduates than the undergraduates.

An Assessment of Knowledge & Perception among Undergraduate, Interns & Post graduate students of the Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge from different colleges of West Bengal Towards Disinfection of Impression, Cast & Prosthesis

BACKGROUND: Infection control in dental practice is one of the most important factor for the treatment to be successful. Almost all of the dental procedures involve dealing with the saliva, blood and oral fluids which may have sufficient pathogens and cause cross infection through contaminated instruments, materials and surfaces. Therefore, the dental health care workers must be aware of the possible contamination and should follow the measures to prevent it. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and practice of the undergraduate students, interns and PGTs toward infection control measures during prosthodontic treatment with their future perception. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A self-assessment questionnaire-based survey was carried out among undergraduate students, interns and post graduate students of Dept. of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge of various dental colleges of West Bengal to assess the knowledge and perception of infection control. Survey containing questions were randomly distributed to 250 students regarding knowledge of infection control and the methods actually followed in practice from impression making to delivery of the prosthesis in dental colleges. The questionnaire was sent to all by email to be filled electronically. Data was collected and analysed. RESULTS: Out of 250 students 210 students (59.4% female and 40.6% male) responded to the questionnaire. Their awareness towards disinfecting the impression, cast or prosthesis was 100% and all the participated students are aware of the fact that corona virus may spread via saliva from patients to dental health care workers. Though most of the students (94.3 %) think it is mandatory to rinse the mouth before the impression making but they do not have proper knowledge about disinfectants i.e., glutaraldehyde, iodophor etc to be used for disinfecting the impression, cast and prosthesis. In regular practice in the clinics around 74.3% of them disinfect the cast before sending to the dental laboratory. CONCLUSION: The knowledge about infection control during impression making is satisfactory among the students participated but there is a need to improve practice with disinfectants to minimize the cross contamination and the disease transmission and also reduce the associated morbidity for both patients and the dental practitioner. The attitude towards infection control measures is positive, but a greater practical approach is needed.

Infection Control in Dental Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

COVID-19 causes severe pneumonia, which is aided by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pathophysiology of the COVID-19 sickness, the unusual transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and our age's high level of globalization have all led to the rapid global spread of China's epidemic emergency. For COVID-19 to spread from person to person, it just takes intimate contact with an infected individual. The virus is spread mainly through the inhalation of respiratory droplets, which may be applied when a person

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 and Infection Control Measures Against it among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by an RNA virus named SARS CoV2. The increased risk of infection by this virus among dental students necessitates updated knowledge and highlights their important role in preventing and controlling its transmission. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding COVID-19 and infection control measures among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in different Saudi universities using an online self-administered questionnaire. It gathered data on students’ demographic information, knowledge of COVID-19 and infection control measures, risk perception and attitudes toward the disease, and their preparedness for treating infected patients. Results: A total of 327 dental students responded to the questionnaire. Of these students, 92.4% had received training in infection control in dental practice, but only 24.2% had attended training regarding COVID-19. The majority of students had adequate knowledge regarding the modes of transmission and the common symptoms of COVID-19, with statistically significant total mean knowledge scores among students in different academic years (p<0.05). A large percentage of the students (92.7%) agreed that the use of rubber dams or high-volume saliva ejectors could reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. However, 58.4% of the students disagreed that intraoral dental radiographs should be avoided to reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. Conclusion: Although knowledge of and risk perception concerning COVID-19 among students is good, additional training sessions integrating recent international guidelines for infection control are required to update their knowledge and achieve safe dental practice.

Prevention and Infection Control in Dental Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

Dental practices have a high risk of infected Covid-19 when providing dental and oral health services. The highest infections among all health care professions are dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists, because these professions are associated with patients and exposure to salivary secretions and aerosols. To be able to reduce the risk and the transmission of Covid-19 virus in dental practice, it is necessary to prevent and control infection during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze infection control prevention in dental practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. This type of research is a literature review with a qualitative approach through descriptive analysis. The selection of articles according to the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search process for this article was carried out using Google Scholar, Pubmed, DOAJ and Springerlink databases using the keywords "infection control, dental practice, and covid-19". The articles obtained from research year 2019 to 2021. From various literatures it is found that prevention efforts can be carried out in several ways, including through the application of triage to patients, patient management, use of personal protective equipment for dentists and clinical staff, and management of the practice environment.

Effect of spray air settings of speed-increasing contra-angle handpieces on intrapulpal temperatures, drilling times, and coolant spray pattern

ObjectivesDecreasing aerosol leaks are of great interest, especially in the recent era of COVID-19. The aim was to investigate intrapulpal heat development, coolant spray patterns, and the preparation efficiency of speed-increasing contra-angle handpieces with the spray air on (mist) or off (water jet) settings during restorative cavity preparations.MethodsStandard-sized cavities were prepared in 80 extracted intact human molar teeth using diamond cylindrical drills with a 1:5 speed-increasing contra-angle handpiece. A custom-made device maintained the standardized lateral drilling force (3 N) and predetermined depth. Temperatures were measured using intrapulpal thermocouple probes. The four experimental groups were as follows: mist cooling mode at 15 mL/min (AIR15), water jet cooling mode at 15 mL/min (JET15), mist cooling mode at 30 mL/min (AIR30), and water jet cooling mode at 30 mL/min (JET30). The coolant spray pattern was captured using macro-photo imaging.ResultsThe JET15 group had the highest increase in temperature (ΔT = 6.02 °C), while JET30 (ΔT = 2.24 °C; p < 0.001), AIR15 (ΔT = 3.34 °C; p = 0.042), and AIR30 (ΔT = 2.95 °C; p = 0.003) had significantly lower increases in temperature. Fine mist aerosol was formed in the AIR15 and AIR30 preparations but not in the JET15 and JET30 preparations (p < 0.001). The irrigation mode had no influence on the preparation time (p = 0.672).ConclusionsWater jet irrigation using coolant at 30 mL/min appeared to be the optimal mode. Considering the safe intrapulpal temperatures and the absence of fine mist aerosols, this mode can be recommended for restorative cavity preparations.Clinical significanceTo increase infection control in dental practices, the water jet irrigation mode of speed-increasing handpieces with coolant flow rates of 30 mL/min should be considered for restorative cavity preparations.

Infection Control In Dental Practice During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

Infection Control In Dental Practice During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

Personal protective equipment: A solution to occupational hazard or an occupational hazard itself?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become an important and much talked about subject during the current coronavirus pandemic. Since the dental profession predominantly involves exposure of the dentist to various body fluids such as saliva and blood., the use of PPE is imperative for infection control in dental practice. However, even though protection is successfully achieved by PPE, such high level of protection is likely to entail additional workloads and occupational hazards on healthcare professionals including dentists. The present review aims to throw light on the occupational hazards that can occur and some tips to alleviate the discomfort following the use of PPE. These methods are relatively simple to follow while maintaining normal healthcare routine.

Knowledge and attitude about infection control in dental practice among dental undergraduate students in Davangere city: A cross sectional survey

Background: Dental clinic is an environment which poses potential risk for disease transmission both for dentists and their patients. Hence a study was planned to assess knowledge and attitude of undergraduate dental students in Davangere city about infection control in dental practice.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 undergraduate dental students in Davangere city. A 21-item prevalidated structured close ended questionnaire was administered to the participants. Data was analyzed using chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Out of 258 participants, 62% were females and belonged to third year (54%). Majority of them had good knowledge (>90%) about infection control in dental practice and more than 90% believed that dentists had a risk of acquiring HIV and Hepatitis infection and felt hepatitis vaccination was mandatory. More than 80% of them used gloves, face masks, head cap and gown, washed hands before and after examining patient and were willing to implement and follow the infection control procedures in clinical practice. However, majority did not wear eye protective glasses (>80%) and 90% had experienced non-sterile occupational percutaneous injury which was a cause of concern.Conclusion: The knowledge of dental undergraduate students about infection control measures in dental practice was good. However, many reported non-sterile occupational injuries during clinical practice.

Quantitative measurements of aerosols from air-polishing and ultrasonic devices: (How) can we protect ourselves?

AimTo assess the distribution and deposition of aerosols during simulated periodontal therapy.MethodsA manikin with simulated fluorescein salivation was treated by four experienced dentists applying two different periodontal treatment options, i.e. air-polishing with an airflow device or ultrasonic scaling in the upper and lower anterior front for 5 minutes, respectively. Aerosol deposition was quantitatively measured on 21 pre-defined locations with varying distances to the manikins mouth in triplicates using absorbent filter papers.ResultsThe selected periodontal interventions resulted in different contamination levels around the patient’s mouth. The highest contamination could be measured on probes on the patient’s chest and forehead but also on the practitioner’s glove. With increasing distance to the working site contamination of the probes decreased with both devices. Air-polishing led to greater contamination than ultrasonic.ConclusionBoth devices showed contamination of the nearby structures, less contamination was detected when using the ultrasonic. Affirming the value of wearing protective equipment we support the need for universal barrier precautions and effective routine infection control in dental practice.

Analysis of awareness of infection control in dental practice during the COVID-19 outbreak among dental practitioners in Tamil Nadu

Given the existence of a standardized tool and infection control recommendations for COVID-19, many dental professionals lack the minimum infection control requirements. As the disease outbreak continues to evolve and health centres respond to unique situations in their communities, the Department of Health recognizes that dental settings may also be necessary to provide non-emergency dental care. The dental environment will balance the need to include the resources available whilst reducing the harm to patients and dental health staff. The aim of the study is to assess the awareness of infection control in dental practice in the COVID-19 outbreak among dental practitioners. A Self-administered questionnaire was designed based on awareness of infection control for a dental practice in the COVID-19 outbreak. The questionnaire was distributed through an online google form link. The study population included dental professionals in Tamil Nadu. The data was collected and statistically analysed. 81% use PPE (personal protective equipment) during the procedure, 82.7% of patients are made to rinse their mouth with an antimicrobial mouth rinse before the dental procedure. Based on the findings, awareness level and infection control in dental practice can be improved.

Biological indicators: the gold standard to verify the sterilization steam in dentistry

Infection control in dental practice is a daily necessity, the correct way to ensure safe environments is to disinfect medical equipment and sterilize materials and instruments. There are common failures in sterilization cycles in dental offices, caused by various factors, mainly a mechanical failure, and human error. Biological indicators are prepared from thermo-resistant bacterial spores, used to determine the quality of the sterilization processes. There are different types of indicators on the market, however, it is necessary to promote and publicize the use of biological indicators as means of verification of the sterilization process, since their use is not frequent as indicated in the NOM-013-SSA2-2015, which must be every two months.

Infection Control in Dental Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 is the disease supported by SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes a severe form of pneumonia. Due to the pathophysiological characteristics of the COVID-19 syndrome, the particular transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the high globalization of our era, the epidemic emergency from China has spread rapidly all over the world. Human-to-human transmission seems to occur mainly through close contact with symptomatic people affected by COVID-19, and the main way of contagion is via the inhalation of respiratory droplets, for example when patients talk, sneeze or cough. The ability of the virus to survive outside living organisms, in aerosol or on fomites has also been recognized. The dental practitioners are particularly exposed to a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because they cannot always respect the interpersonal distance of more than a meter and are exposed to saliva, blood, and other body fluids during surgical procedures. Moreover, many dental surgeries can generate aerosol, and the risk of airborne infection is to be considered higher. The aim of this paper is to provide practical advice for dentists based on the recent literature, which may be useful in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 during clinical practice.

Microbiological purity of syringes containing composites in the context of cross-infection prevention in dental practices

Abstract Cross-infection involves the transmission of microorganisms through secretions, bodily fluids and excreta, as well as undisinfected surfaces and medical equipment. In the dental office, diseases are transmitted via various routes, e.g. from patient to dentist or other member of dental team, from doctor or dental team member to patient, from patient to another patient, from dental office to community and from community to patient. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control in dental practices based on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbiological contaminants detected on the surface of filling material packaging used in dental offices. The material for research were 9 packages containing dental materials during their use in 3 dental settings. The packages were placed in sterile flasks and rinsed to wash microorganisms from the surfaces. The washes were filtered through membrane filters and cultured under proper aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and at elevated CO2 concentration. Microbial growth on TIO and TSB media was observed. The contamination of most samples remained low as indicated by the growth from one to a maximum of five colonies on TSA. The contamination remained at the level of 10-50 CFU/package, i.e. &lt;100 CFU/single package. The tests evaluating the contamination of dental package surfaces with aerobic bacteria confirmed high hygiene standards observed in dental offices from which the packages were brought.

Emergency management of prevention and control of the novel coronavirus infection in departments of stomatology

Complying with overall requirements of the government and regulations on public health emergencies, as well as the clinical features of diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, this article reviews previous guidelines and studies on the infection control in dental practices in China and foreign countries. The emergency management protocol for the prevention and control of COVID-19 has been implemented in Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, which mainly focuses on the implementation of the training programs for dental staff and the infection control project in the hospital environment. This article could be used as a reference for rapid response and emergency management for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the departments of stomatology.

Nosocomial infection control in dental practice from view point of dental public health administration

Nosocomial infection control in dental practice from view point of dental public health administration