Infection control techniques used in South African dental practices

Abstract

In dentistry, blood borne microorganisms, including hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pose a risk for occupational exposure among oral health care workers. Impressive technological advances enable dental practitioners to use valid, practical, measurable and sustainable infection control practices. The unique nature of dental procedures and settings, requires specific and unique preventative strategies to minimise disease transmission. Since 1993 it has been recommended that South African dentists adhere to the recommendations for infection control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The main objective of this study was to examine the adherence to infection control recommendations in dental practices in South Africa, with specific attention paid to practices associated with the use of a steam autoclave steriliser. All dental practitioners registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa were included in this study. Practitioners with foreign addresses were not included. A postal questionnaire was used for collecting data. 738 respondents returned completed questionnaires. 87% of respondents indicated that they treat each patient as a possible source of infection. Many respondents (53%) admitted that their preferred method of sterilising handpieces is wiping/soaking in liquid chemicals. Only 17% of the respondents indicated that they autoclave handpieces after each patient. These results indicate a serious need for South African infection control guidelines and audit recommendations specific to dental practices in order to promote a safer dental environment for the health care worker and patient.