title: Evaluation of Aerosol and Water Contamination and Control of Cross Infection in Dental Clinics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The oral cavity is an unique environment which provides an ideal medium for bacterial growth. As a result of repeated exposure to the microorganisms present in blood and saliva, the dental health professionals and the patients are at a higher risk for developing many infectious diseases. A pilot study was carried out in the Dept of Dental Surgery, Armed Forces Medical College to assess the risk of cross infection in dental clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples were collected from different dental surgeries of the Dept of Dental Surgery, Armed Forces Medical College and sent for microbiological culture and identification to the Dept of Microbiology, Armed Forces Medical College. The sampling was carried out in two stages, before and after implementing a set protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All dental unit waterlines were coated with a well established biofilm made up of filamentous and bacillus-like microorganisms in first stage of study. There was marked reduction in the number of colonies from the samples collected during second stage. Same findings were observed in the samples of aerosol produced by ultrasonic scalers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study concluded that the new set protocol followed is significantly effective in reducing the microbial load in the water tubing, container and aerosol production. It is an effective measure for reducing the chances of cross infection in the dental surgery.
authors.affiliation: Graded Specialist (Periodontology & Oral Implantology), 1 Air Force Dental Centre, Air Force Station, Palam, New Delhi-10.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Prasanth
authors.affiliation: Commanding Officer & Corps Dental Advisor, 10 CDU, C/o-56 APO, Pune-40.
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Mandlik
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor (Dept of Microbiology), AFMC, Pune-40.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Reader (Department of Dental Surgery), AFMC, Pune-40.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Jha
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Resident (Periodontology & Oral Implantology), AFMC, Pune-40.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kosala
keywords: Aerosol; Biofilm; Colony forming units; Cross infection