Dental unit waterline infection control practice and knowledge gaps.

BACKGROUND: Dental unit waterline (DWL) infection control is critical to infection prevention. Identifying challenges and barriers to its implementation is a first step toward understanding how to improve engagement. METHODS: A survey was distributed to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants via the Qualtrics XM platform (Qualtrics). Responses were analyzed to quantify engagement in practices contrary to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and identify avenues to improve engagement. RESULTS: Although oral health care providers recognized DWL infection control was important, there was a lack of clarity about appropriate routine engagement (eg, what lines should be tested), what should be noted in practice infection control records, and steps to be taken in response to a failed test result (ie, ≥ 500 colony-forming units/mL), such as taking a chair out of service. CONCLUSIONS: Survey results showed there were considerable gaps in knowledge and practice that could lead to patient harm. Oral health care provider training may not prepare personnel adequately to engage in, let alone supervise, DWL infection control. DWL infection control, like other aspects of infection control, requires action informed via an understanding of what needs to be done. Although good intentions are appreciated, better approaches to DWL infection control information dissemination and strategies to engage dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists in best practices are needed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Evolving standards of care, including infection control, should be reflected in the provision of dental treatment. Improvements in communicating and ensuring engagement in best practices are needed when it comes to DWL infection control.

Teledentistry adoption and applications: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey.

BACKGROUND: The rise of teleworking technologies has affected various industries, including dentistry. Although some dentists have used it for some time, many are discovering the benefits of incorporating this technology to complement their existing patient care capabilities. METHODS: To assess how clinicians are using teledentistry in their practices, an electronic survey was developed and deployed to the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel on February 27, 2023. The survey link remained open for 2 weeks. Nonrespondents received reminders after 1 week. RESULTS: Of the 244 respondents (24% response rate), 30% use teledentistry in their practices, with more than one-half of those using synchronous (53%) or asynchronous teledentistry (63%). The most common reasons for incorporating teledentistry were increased convenience for patients (53%), COVID-19 (50%), and increased accessibility to providers (39%). Teledentistry can help serve patients of all ages (the lowest represented age group [0-5 years] had 42% of dentists treating them) and distances, with 63% of teledentistry patients fewer than 20 miles away. Most users adopted teledentistry within the past 3 years and use it fewer than 5 hours per month. Benefits cited include a reduced number of in-person patient visits (63%) and increased access and quality of care (57%). Among nonusers, 60% felt there was no need, and 39% had concerns with reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Teledentistry has gained popularity in since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but may be underused, despite its potential to benefit a wider range of patients and applications than many believe. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Education on the capabilities and benefits of teledentistry may help increase adoption and improve patient care.