Microbiological risk factors in dentistry. Current status of knowledge.
Dentists belong to a professional group potentially exposed to harmful biological factors which most often are infectious microorganisms, less frequently - allergenic or toxic microorganisms. The fundamental routes of spreading harmful microorganisms in a dental surgery are: blood-borne, saliva-droplet, direct contact with a patient and with infected equipment, and water-droplet infections. In this paper, the current status of knowledge on microbiological hazards in a dentist's work is presented. Groups of microorganisms, such as prions, viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, to which a dentist is, or may be exposed, are discussed. Epidemiological assessment of microbiological hazards in a dentist's work was performed and the basic principles of prevention formulated. Special attention was given to microflora in dental unit waterlines, and the biofilm persisting in them, as a source of occupational hazards specific for a dentist's workplace.
Szymańska
Jolanta
J
Department of Paedodontics, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Staszica 11, 20-018 Lublin, Poland. adpunctum@adres.pl
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000382:microbiology; D003813:Dentistry; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology