A survey of the use of matrix bands and their decontamination in general dental practice.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of use and re-use of matrix bands in general practice in Scotland, to demonstrate which type of matrix band is most commonly used and to examine infection control measures of relevance to the safe use and re-use of matrix bands.


METHODS



METHODS
621 of Scotland's 1,849 general dental practitioners were randomly selected.


METHODS
A 19-item self-reported questionnaire was mailed in June 1999 with a follow-up mailing sent in August 1999.


METHODS
Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Where appropriate, differences between categories were tested for significance by a Chi-square test.


RESULTS
A total of 479 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 77%. Reported compliance with routine glove wearing was high (91%). Most dentists (92%) provided training on instrument cleaning and sterilisation for their dental nurses. Ultrasonic baths were used by 59% of practitioners; the remainder soaked or manually scrubbed instruments to remove debris before autoclaving. The Siqveland matrix was the matrix of choice for 96% of respondents. 7% provided a new matrix band for each patient. Most (64%) changed bands only when they were bent or damaged; 29% changed them daily or weekly. Deterrents to use of a new band for each patient were cost (39%) and time (52%). A total of 54% of respondents considered matrix band replacement unnecessary between patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The Siqveland matrix band is the most popular among the study group of dental practitioners. Re-use of matrix bands is common. Guidelines for the safe re-use of matrix bands are required.
Lowe
A H
AH
The University of Birmingham School of Dentistry.
Burke
F J T
FJ
McHugh
S
S
Bagg
J
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003726:Dental Assistants / Q000193:education; D003815:Dentists; D004203:Disinfection; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D008434:Matrix Bands / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012606:Scotland; D013242:Sterilization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires