Decontamination in primary care dentistry

Abstract

Decontamination of reusable dental instruments has been a subject of debate within the dental profes sion since the publication in 2009 of Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices. This paper provides a brief history of instrument reprocessing in dentistry and reviews the evidence on pre-soaking, cleaning, sterilisation and storage.

Infection Control Policy for Dental Practice: An Evidence-based Approach

“…2 It was not until the recognition of the risk associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 1970s and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1980s, the dental profession embraced the fundamentals of infection control seriously. [3][4][5] For several years, immersion of instruments in boiling water was the method of choice for decontamination of instruments. 5 The recommendations, such as the 'universal precautions' or 'standard precautions' accelerated the widespread use of gloves as barriers by dental professionals.…”

“…[3][4][5] For several years, immersion of instruments in boiling water was the method of choice for decontamination of instruments. 5 The recommendations, such as the 'universal precautions' or 'standard precautions' accelerated the widespread use of gloves as barriers by dental professionals. 4 The British Dental Association (BDA) in 1986 and Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA in 1987 recommended the universal precautions for the prevention if blood borne infections.…”

Infection Control in Dentistry- A Review

“…A reported case of suspected transmission of HIV from an infected dentist in the UK prompted the use of autoclaves in the UK in 1990. 5 American Dental Association (ADA) in collaboration with the CDC developed guidelines for dental practices in 1993. 6 The CDC updated the guidelines on the infection control measures for dental practice on several occasions and a comprehensive guidance for procedures in dental settings was made available in 2003; which was recommended by the ADA for all dental practices.…”

“…2 It was not until the recognition of the risk associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 1970s and the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in 1980s, the dental profession embraced the fundamentals of infection control seriously. [3][4][5] For several years, immersion of instruments in boiling water was the method of choice for decontamination of instruments. 5 The recommendations, such as the "universal precautions" or "standard precautions" accelerated the widespread use of gloves as barriers by dental professionals.…”

“…[3][4][5] For several years, immersion of instruments in boiling water was the method of choice for decontamination of instruments. 5 The recommendations, such as the "universal precautions" or "standard precautions" accelerated the widespread use of gloves as barriers by dental professionals. 4 The British Dental Association (BDA) in 1986 and Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA in 1987 recommended the universal precautions for the prevention if blood borne infections.…”