The assessment of infection control in dental practices in the municipality of São Paulo
Braz. j. infect. dis
; 15(1): 45-51, Jan.-Feb. 2011. tab
Article
em En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-576785
Biblioteca responsável:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study was to evaluate the infection control measures actually implemented by dental surgeons during dental practice, as patients and professionals are exposed to high biological risk in dental care environments.METHOD:
614 questionnaires (90.69 percent) were answered by professionals registered in updating or in post-graduate courses in the Municipality of São Paulo.RESULTS:
Out of surveyed professionals 30.62 percent admitted that surface protection barriers were not used, whereas 34.17 percent were using non ideal or outdated pre-disinfection practices. The autoclave was used by 69.38 percent of participants, although 33.80 percent were not monitoring control of the sterilization cycles. Chemical and biological indicators were not used simultaneously by 83.21 percent of respondents and were not employed on a daily or weekly basis by at least 81.75 percent. Dubious methods of sterilization were cited by 44.77 percent. Occupational accidents caused by cutting and piercing objects were reported by 47.88 percent; however, the biologic risk was underestimated by 74.15 percent of the professionals who suffered the accidents. Irritant solutions were used as an antiseptic agent by 18.55 percent.CONCLUSIONS:
Infection control measures reported by dental surgeons during their practices are deficient. It is necessary to educate, raise awareness of professionals, and promote constant updating courses on procedures which aim at improving safety of dental care.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Índice:
LILACS
Assunto principal:
Acidentes de Trabalho
/
Esterilização
/
Controle de Infecções Dentárias
/
Padrões de Prática Odontológica
Tipo de estudo:
Evaluation_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Braz. j. infect. dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article