Hygiene in dental practices.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the hygienic quality of dental practices on the basis of the self-awareness expressed by dentists respondents to a self-reported questionnaire about the health/hygiene characteristics of practice, the knowledge of biologic/toxicological risks and the preventive procedures and devices improvements in professional practice.


METHODS
Of the 127 practitioners contacted, 108 (85%) agreed to participate. The knowledge of infective risks was self- evaluated as good only in 24%: even if vaccinated, most of the dentists (57%) considered HBV the main infective agent to fear, not giving the same importance to the air-borne transmission of diseases. The presence of a single dental unit per surgery (90%) was considered an index of good health/hygiene education but, in spite of the use of disposable gloves, caps and masks, the dentists do not always change their coats or wash their hands between patients yet. The management of dental instruments can be considered efficient as long as they are sterilised in an autoclave (97%) and undergo periodic sterilization efficacy tests (76%). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results indicate a good structural and organisational status, but there is the need for continuous education concerning the prevention of cross-infections.
Fabiani
L
L
Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, Chair of Hygiene, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
Mosca
G
G
Giuliani
A R
AR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004203:Disinfection; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D013242:Sterilization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires