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

Abstract

Many publications are available on the topic of compliance with infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities all over the world. The approaches of developing and developed countries show wide variation, but the principles of infection prevention and control are the same globally. This study is a systematic review and global perspective of the available literature on infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities. Nine focus areas on compliance with infection-control measures were investigated: knowledge of infectious occupational hazards; personal hygiene and care of hands; correct application of personal protective equipment; use of environmental barriers and disposable items; sterilisation (recirculation) of instruments and handpieces; disinfection (surfaces) and housekeeping; management of waste disposal; quality control of dental unit waterlines, biofilms and water; and some special considerations. Various international studies from developed countries have reported highly scientific evidence-based information. In developed countries, the resources for infection prevention and control are freely available, which is not the case in developing countries. The studies in developing countries also indicate serious shortcomings with regard to infection prevention and control knowledge and education in oral health-care facilities. This review highlights the fact that availability of resources will always be a challenge, but more so in developing countries. This presents unique challenges and the opportunity for innovative thinking to promote infection prevention and control.

Implementation of Recent Infection Prevention Procedures Published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Difficulties and Problems in Orthodontic Offices

“…Cross-infection control is not easy in an OF because of the environmental contamination of clinical contact surfaces caused by the high turnover of patients and by procedures such as the removal of fixed appliances and dental prophylaxis, and the use of contaminated "received from manufacturer" and/or "clinic-exposed" orthodontic 2 Iran J Ortho. 13(1):e10201.…”

Infection Control Measures in Private Dental Clinics in Lebanon

“…Compliance with effective infection control practices by dental healthcare providers may be affected by several factors such as knowledge and educational background [8, 9], costs and lack of incentives [10], sociodemographic and professional variables [11, 12], and availability of and access to required materials and equipment [13, 14]. Wide variations have been reported between developed and developing countries relative to infection prevention and control [14].…”

Compliance with infection control standard precautions guidelines: a survey among dental healthcare workers in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

“…In spite of the long period since the introduction of the concept of SP, full adherence is still a matter of concern in many institutions, even in developed countries (Oosthuysen et al, 2014). Lack of appropriate knowledge of SP, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), low-risk perception and low perception of institutional safety environment were frequent factors linked to non-adherence to SP (Gammon et al, 2008).…”