Cross-infection control in dental practice in the Republic of Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the infection control procedures used in general dental practices in the Republic of Ireland.


METHODS
Postal survey.


METHODS
The Republic of Ireland.


METHODS
250 general dental practices.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire.


METHODS
Use of infection control procedures; gloves, masks, sterilisation of instruments, staff training.


RESULTS
A 74% response rate (n = 177), with 162 wearing gloves for all patients, 97% of whom used latex gloves. Routine glove use by 69% of dental nurses. Approximately one third of respondents complained of hand skin irritation attributed to the wearing of latex gloves. Routine mask wearing during treatment was reported by 68% of respondents. The method of choice for sterilising instruments was the steam autoclave for 97%. Time spent on surgery cleaning between patients was less than one minute in 12 per cent of practices.


CONCLUSIONS
Cross-infection control procedures practiced by a high proportion of the respondents to the survey conform to guidelines suggested by various authorities. Further education may be appropriate in a number of areas such as mask wearing and the need to change gloves between patients.
Kearns
H P
HP
University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, St. Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.
Burke
F J
FJ
Cheung
S W
SW
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000193:education; D003762:Dental Instruments; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004203:Disinfection; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D007318:Inservice Training; D007494:Ireland; D007840:Latex; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D010318:Partnership Practice, Dental; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D013242:Sterilization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D004202:Disinfectants; D007840:Latex