UK Dental Hospital Research Articles

Genoprevalence of TT virus among clinical and auxiliary UK dental healthcare workers: a pilot study.

In 1997 a new human hepatotropic virus, TT virus (TTV), was identified. The clinical significance of TT virus infection remains unclear. To undertake an initial evaluation of the genoprevalence of TTV DNA among health care workers in the United Kingdom. A UK dental hospital. The sera of 53 dental healthcare workers (9 dentists, 14 dental nurses and 30 office staff) were tested for the presence of TTV DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). TT virus DNA was detected in 3 out of 53 (5.7%) samples. This frequency of TTV carriage is similar to that of blood donors and healthy persons in the UK. The present data suggest that dental healthcare workers in the UK are not at increased risk of nosocomial acquisition of TT virus.

Survey of radiographic practices for periodontal disease in UK and Irish dental teaching hospitals

Survey of radiographic practices for periodontal disease in UK and Irish dental teaching hospitals

Survey of radiographic practices for periodontal disease in UK and Irish dental teaching hospitals.

To assess current radiographic practices in dental teaching hospitals for the management of patients with periodontal diseases. All 17 dental teaching hospitals in UK and Ireland were sent a questionnaire on radiographic equipment and radiograph selection currently used for assessment of patients with destructive periodontal diseases. Opinions were recorded for advantages and disadvantages of the most frequently used radiographic views. A 100% response rate was achieved. All hospitals used panoramic and specific periapical radiographs as one of their radiographic regimes for patients with periodontal disease. Fifty-three per cent of respondents most frequently took panoramic and selected periapical radiographs. Twenty-four per cent took full mouth periapical radiographs (FMPAs) most frequently and 18% took a panoramic radiograph alone. Twenty-four per cent of hospitals operated a protocol for selection of radiographs for periodontal patients. The most commonly used views taken to assess periodontal status are panoramic radiographs with selected periapicals. Few hospitals operate a protocol for prescribing radiographs.

Transiform transmitted virus – is there a risk of its acquisition for dental healthcare workers?

Background In 1997 a new human hepatotropic virus, TT virus (TTV), was identified. The clinical significance of TT virus infection remains unclear. Objective To undertake an initial evaluation of the genoprevalence of TTV DNA among healthcare workers in the United Kingdom. Setting A UK dental hospital. Study design The sera of 53 dental healthcare workers (9 dentists, 14 dental nurses and 30 office staff) were tested for the presence of TTV DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results TT virus DNA was detected in 3 out of 53 (5.7%) samples. This frequency of TTV carriage is similar to that of blood donors and healthy persons in the UK. Conclusion The present data suggest that dental healthcare workers in the UK are not at increased risk of nosocomial acquisition of TT virus.

Medical emergencies: the experience of staff of a UK dental teaching hospital

Medical emergencies: the experience of staff of a UK dental teaching hospital

Medical emergencies: the experience of staff of a UK dental teaching hospital.

To assess the frequency of faints and other medical emergencies experienced by staff of a UK dental hospital. To investigate the training they had received in the management of medical emergencies, their perception of readiness to deal with emergencies and future training needs. All 193 clinical staff (dentists, hygienists, nurses and radiographers) of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Structured questionnaire with covering letter, reminders sent to non-responders. There was an 82% response. Fainting was the commonest event: other medical emergency events were experienced with an average frequency of 1.8 events per year, with the highest frequency reported by staff in oral surgery. Most expressed a need for further training: only 3% felt no need. Medical emergencies occur in dental hospital practice more frequently but in similar proportions to that found in general dental practice. There is a perceived need for further training among dental hospital staff in the management of medical emergencies.

A survey of medical emergencies at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester

Objective To assess the frequency of faints and other medical emergencies experienced by staff of a UK dental hospital. To investigate the training they had received in the management of medical emergencies, their perception of readiness to deal with emergencies and future training needs. Subjects All 193 clinical staff (dentists, hygienists, nurses and radiographers) of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester. Design Structured questionnaire with covering letter, reminders sent to non-responders. Results There was an 82% response. Fainting was the commonest event: other medical emergency events were experienced with an average frequency of 1.8 events per year, with the highest frequency reported by staff in oral surgery. Most expressed a need for further training: only 3% felt no need. Conclusions Medical emergencies occur in dental hospital practice more frequently but in similar proportions to that found in general dental practice. There is a perceived need for further training among dental hospital staff in the management of medical emergencies.

Risk factors for oral epithelial dysplasia--the role of smoking and alcohol.

The present study provides an assessment of the importance of tobacco and alcohol consumption upon the development of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) in a large group of European patients. Data were collected in a case-control study based upon 630 patients with OED and 643 control subjects selected from UK dental hospital patients with oral disease not caused by tobacco or alcohol. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of several independent factors on the risk of OED. No relationship emerged between patient's gender, age or ethnicity and risk of OED. The regression model demonstrated a combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking upon the risk of OED. Non-filter cigarette smoking was a significant predictor of OED, as was alcohol consumption, and the two habits compounded one another in the overall risk of disease. When both factors combined were included in the model through interaction terms, their individual impact was only moderately reduced, illustrating the importance of both factors in their own right. However, more detailed analysis of tobacco smoking habits revealed that the increased risk of OED from smoking was largely attributable to heavy smoking (20 cigarettes per day, OR = 4.38, 95% C.I. = 2.6, 7.2) especially non-filter cigarettes (OR = 1.95, 95% C.I. = 0.9, 4.0) relative to non-smoking. Both heavy smoking and non-filtered tobacco were higher risks for OED than alcohol consumption alone. Tobacco cessation was associated with a significant decline in risk of OED, the reduction being rapid and marked. For alcohol consumption the association with OED was considerably stronger for drinkers of fortified wines and spirits (OR = 3.75, 95% C.I. = 1.40, 10.05 and OR = 1.36, 95% C.I. = 0.76, 2.45, respectively). It is concluded that, while tobacco and alcohol synergistically influence the development of OED, exclusive tobacco consumption is more likely than exclusive alcohol consumption to give rise to OED. The risk of OED may thus be significantly reduced by behavioural changes such as moderation of tobacco and alcohol use.

Patient expectations of oral implant-retained prostheses in a UK dental hospital

Patient expectations of oral implant-retained prostheses in a UK dental hospital

Prevalence of HCV infection in health care workers of a UK dental hospital.

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in a group of dental health care workers (DHCW). Retrospective cross sectional study. A UK dental hospital. The sera of 167 unselected DHCW were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to HCV using two, third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). HCV viremia was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Two (1.2%) of the serum samples were found to be anti-HCV positive; one was also viremic. The two antibody-positive subjects were a qualified dental nurse and a student dental nurse, both females, without any known risk factor for HCV acquisition. No dentist was HCV seropositive. Since the prevalence of HCV infection in the UK general population varies between 0.08% and 0.55%, these results suggest that DHCW, and auxiliary staff in particularly, may have a slightly increased risk of HCV infection.

Complications and maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses provided in a UK dental hospital.

To assess the nature, timing and frequency of complications associated with implant therapy and to assess maintenance requirements of implant-supported prostheses. Retrospective analysis. The Dental Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. Dental records of 60 patients provided with implant-supported prostheses were examined. Data were compiled on the number of fixtures placed per patient, the type of prosthesis provided, complications during the surgical and prosthodontic phases, and peri-implant soft tissue complications. 66 prostheses were placed on 236 fixtures over a 6-year period. Surgical complications included fixture loss (n = 6), dysaesthesia (n = 12), and the need for a guided tissue regeneration procedure (n = 10). Common maintenance requirements were tightening of components (n = 11), clip replacement (n = 7) and repair of conventional prostheses opposing implant supported prostheses (n = 7). Plaque control was unsatisfactory with almost half of the subjects requiring intensive oral hygiene instruction and scaling at the first post placement review. Prosthodontic maintenance requirements were high, particularly during the first year. Surgical complications were relatively infrequent. A case was made for a rigorous oral hygiene programme to reduce the potential for fixture loss through neglect. The financial cost associated with the maintenance of implant-supported prostheses should be incorporated in their overall funding.

Dental students' knowledge and compliance in cross infection control procedures at a UK dental hospital.

To assess the knowledge and clinical practice of dental students in infection control procedures at a UK dental hospital. A questionnaire concerning various aspects of infection control was completed by all clinical dental students under examination conditions. Their actual clinical practice was later observed and certain aspects recorded. A UK dental hospital. One hundred and eleven dental students from three clinical years completed the questionnaire. Clinical practice for all 3 years was observed in a total of 280 treatment events. The questionnaire was marked by two of the authors and observations recorded by another author. Degree of compliance with recognised policy for infection control. Knowledge of infection control procedures was variable particularly concerning duties usually undertaken by the dental nurse. The suggested high compliance with masks and eye protection was not always apparent in clinical practice, although virtually all students washed their hands prior to donning gloves, which were worn by all students. There can be marked differences between what students say they would do and what they actually do in clinical practice. The topic of infection control requires a pro-active approach throughout the course, since results for the final year were not significantly different from the other clinical years. Ways of improving compliance are discussed.

A survey of the methods of disinfection of dental impressions used in dental hospitals in the United Kingdom.

The potential for cross-infection from microbial contaminated dental impressions has long been recognised. This study set out to investigate impression decontamination procedures currently used in UK dental hospitals (1995) and to see how these may have changed since a previous survey, carried out in 1988. A variety of disinfection solutions and regimes were highlighted both within and between dental hospitals. Several of the disinfecting solutions currently being used have not been specifically tested for efficacy with impression materials. The laboratories were asked to highlight any adverse reactions. Five laboratories reported that some alginates resulted in casts with poor surface properties when immersed in hypochlorite (0.1 and 1%), sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and 2% glutaraldehyde solutions. This paper highlights that there is no universally recognised impression disinfection/sterilisation protocol. It is recommended that all impressions should at least undergo a disinfecting procedure by immersion in 1% sodium hypochlorite for a minimum of 10 minutes.