title: Cross-infection in dentistry: an appraisal of the control guidelines with regard to contamination of dental unit water systems.
abstract: The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus in the last 10 years generated renewed concern over the possibility of transmission of this and other infectious agents through dental treatment. In this article, evidence for contamination of the dental unit water systems with microorganisms probably originating from the dental handpieces during dental operative procedures is presented. The significance of this finding in relation to existing infection control guidelines is discussed.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Fong
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D013242:Sterilization; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*