The assessment of infection control in dental practices in the municipality of São Paulo

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the infection control measures actually implemented by dental surgeons during dental practice, as patients and professionals are exposed to high biological risk in dental care environments. Method: 614 questionnaires (90.69%) were answered by professionals registered in updating or in post-graduate courses in the Municipality of São Paulo. Results: Out of surveyed professionals 30.62% admitted that surface protection barriers were not used, whereas 34.17% were using non ideal or outdated pre-disinfection practices. The autoclave was used by 69.38% of participants, although 33.80% were not monitoring control of the sterilization cycles. Chemical and biological indicators were not used simultaneously by 83.21% of respondents and were not employed on a daily or weekly basis by at least 81.75%. Dubious methods of sterilization were cited by 44.77%. Occupational accidents caused by cutting and piercing objects were reported by 47.88%; however, the biologic risk was underestimated by 74.15% of the professionals who suffered the accidents. Irritant solutions were used as an antiseptic agent by 18.55%. Conclusions: Infection control measures reported by dental surgeons during their practices are defi cient. It is necessary to educate, raise awareness of professionals, and promote constant updating courses on procedures which aim at improving safety of dental care.

Compliance with infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities: a global perspective

“…The reasons indicated for non‐reporting included not knowing the mechanism of reporting, not realising that all needlestick injuries required reporting and evaluation, as well as not knowing who to report to. In a study of oral health‐care facilities in Brazil, occupational accidents caused by cutting and piercing objects were reported by half of the participating facilities. Of all the respondents, only 26% had had specialised follow‐up medical appointments after the accidents.…”

Analysis Of Enterococcus Faecalis, Staphylococcus Aureus, And Candida Albicans In Cast Metal Cores

“…[1][2][3] However, some clinicians and students still neglect this important concept. [4][5][6][7][8] This is evident by the use of antibiotics as a preventive measure for inadequate asepsis techniques, 9,10 and the absence of protocols for sterilization or disinfection of some materials to be used for the first time, as well as their improper handling before being used in dental procedures. 8,11,12 During the endodontic therapy, clinicians seek to eliminate the microorganisms present in the root canal and to prevent the settlement of new microorganisms through the production of hostile conditions for such microorganisms.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] This is evident by the use of antibiotics as a preventive measure for inadequate asepsis techniques, 9,10 and the absence of protocols for sterilization or disinfection of some materials to be used for the first time, as well as their improper handling before being used in dental procedures. 8,11,12 During the endodontic therapy, clinicians seek to eliminate the microorganisms present in the root canal and to prevent the settlement of new microorganisms through the production of hostile conditions for such microorganisms. [13][14][15] These conditions can be achieved by providing almost non-existent or insufficient amount of nutrients, limiting the space available to the microorganisms, altering the redox potentials, creating a low concentration of oxygen, and promoting the presence of antimicrobial substances.…”

“…[1][2][3] A pesar del manejo de este concepto, existen algunos profesionales y estudiantes que no lo tienen claro. [4][5][6][7][8] Esto se evidencia en la utilización de antibióticos como medida preventiva para las inapropiadas técnicas de asepsia, 9, 10 y en la ausencia de protocolos de esterilización o desinfección de algunos materiales de uso por primera vez, así como en la inadecuada manipulación de estos antes de ser utilizados en procedimientos odontológicos. 8,11,12 Durante el tratamiento de endodoncia, el especialista busca eliminar los microorganismos presentes en el canal radicular y prevenir el establecimiento de nuevos microorganismos mediante la producción de condiciones inhóspitas para éstos.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Esto se evidencia en la utilización de antibióticos como medida preventiva para las inapropiadas técnicas de asepsia, 9, 10 y en la ausencia de protocolos de esterilización o desinfección de algunos materiales de uso por primera vez, así como en la inadecuada manipulación de estos antes de ser utilizados en procedimientos odontológicos. 8,11,12 Durante el tratamiento de endodoncia, el especialista busca eliminar los microorganismos presentes en el canal radicular y prevenir el establecimiento de nuevos microorganismos mediante la producción de condiciones inhóspitas para éstos. [13][14][15] Estas condiciones se pueden lograr mediante la insuficiente o casi nula cantidad de nutrientes, la limitación de espacio, la alteración de los potenciales redox, la baja concentración de oxígeno y la presencia de sustancias antimicrobianas.…”