title: The efficacy of rubber dam isolation in reducing atmospheric bacterial contamination.
abstract: A study was made to ascertain the efficacy of rubber dam isolation in controlling atmospheric bacterial contamination, when conservative pedodontic procedures are performed. There was a highly significant (p less than 0.001) reduction in bacterial contamination of the atmosphere, perioperatively, when rubber dam isolation was used. As the reduction in bacterial aerosols was greatest at 1 m from the headrest, the use of rubber dam would minimize significantly the inhalation of infective aerosols by dental personnel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology, University of Glasgow Dental Hospital & School.
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Samaranayake
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000391:Air Microbiology; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D003770:Dental Offices; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D011897:Random Allocation; D012408:Rubber; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D012408:Rubber