Surface contamination in the dental operatory: a comparison over two decades.
BACKGROUND
This study compares surface bacterial contamination levels in a large teaching clinic in 1998 with that of a 1976 study in the same clinic to determine if renovation and more stringent infection control, or IC, practices have made a difference.


METHODS
The authors obtained samples from surfaces in clinic operatories--including the light handle covers, jacket cuffs, sinks and floors--in the morning and afternoon. They compared the bacterial counts from these samples with those from the 1976 study. Data were analyzed using the matched pairs t tests and independent t tests.


RESULTS
In both the 1976 and 1998 studies, mean bacterial counts were higher at the end of the day than in the morning; however, the differences were only significant in the 1976 study. Comparisons between the 1998 and 1976 counts revealed significant differences for the floor, headrest, light handle covers and clinic jacket cuffs.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in clinic design and equipment, as well as IC procedures and practices resulted in a lower level of surface bacterial contamination in 1998 than in 1976 in a large teaching clinic. Clinical Implications. Attention to clinic design and furnishings and adherence to recommended IC practices can reduce microbial surface contamination, thereby reducing the risk of causing cross-infection and making dental practice safer.
Williams
Henry N
HN
Department of Oral Craniofacial Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore 21201, USA. HNW001@dental.umaryland.edu
Singh
Ruby
R
Romberg
Elaine
E
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003770:Dental Offices; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D013499:Surface Properties