LEVELS OF MUTANS STREPTOCOCCI AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN IN IASI, ROMANIA.

AIM: To evaluate the dental and salivary density of mutans streptococci among Iasi schoolchildren. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study cross-sectional included 533 schoolchildren aged 7-12 years. The density of mutans streptococci on dental surface (mesial and occlusal surfaces of teeth 1.6 and 3.6) and in saliva was assessed using Dentocult SM Strip mutans kits (Orion Diagnostica Oy) according to manufacturer's instructions. Subjects were given one of the following scores: 0 = < 10(4) CFU/ml; 1 = < 10(5) CFU/ml; 2 = 10(5)-10(6) CFU/ml; 3 = > 10(6) CFU/ml. RESULTS: A mutans streptococci density score 3 was predominant both in saliva and on the mesial and occlusal surfaces of the first permanent molars. Scores 2 and 3 were predominant in younger children, while in 12-year-old children the four scores were in similar percentages. CONCLUSION: High levels of mutans streptococci prevail among Iasi schoolchildren, highlighting the need to implement complex caries prevention programs.

Dental patients' attitudes towards infection control.

UNLABELLED: The level of the patients' education for health is increasing as their concern for protection during the medical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of the dental patients towards infection control protocols in the dental office. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based study was initiated including 210 patients aged between 16 and 68 years. Data was processed using SPSS 14.0 and analyzed by age, gender and level of education. RESULTS: 82.6% of the patients trust the medical staff to protect them against the spread of infection. Female subjects are twice as interested in the follow up of infection control procedures as males (53.4% respectively 25.2%). The diseases considered by the patients as presenting a high risk of transmission during dental treatment are: hepatitis B, HIV infection, hepatitis C, tuberculosis and hepatitis A. The subjects require the dentist to wear rubber gloves (89.2%), masks (61.5%) and glasses (45.5%). CONCLUSION: The involvement of the dental patients in their own treatment is essential in order to increase the safety and quality of the dental procedures.

Occupational health problems among dentists in Moldavian Region of Romania.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational health problems among dentists in the Moldavian Region of Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaire-based study was conducted on 152 dentists aged between 25-65 years practicing in 6 counties the Moldavian Region of Romania. The questionnaire included questions related to the dentists' occupational health pathology. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The majority of the dentists (91%) consider that they are exposed to an occupational risk and 41.8% of them experienced a percutaneus injury caused by sharp instruments in the last year.74.6% of the dentists are protected by vaccination against hepatitis B and 76.1% against influenza. 49.3% of the dentists reported eye injuries caused by solid particles (13.2%), blood splashes (14.7%) and/or chemicals (20,5%). Allergies associated to professional activity were reported by 76.1% of the dentists. CONCLUSIONS: The dental staff must be informed in order to recognize, control and prevent the potential occupational hazards in the workplace.

Preventive attitudes towards infection transmission in dental offices in North-East Romania.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and the current attitudes towards infection control in the dental offices in the Northeast Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaire-based study conducted on 152 dentists aged between 25-65 years practicing in 6 Northeast Romania counties. The questionnaire included questions related to current infection control procedures and attitudes. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The majority of the dentists (83.6%) consider that universities should provide a substantial education regarding infection control through postgraduate courses, but 7.2% of the respondents are not sure about their usefulness. The clinical decision related to patient's treatment is influenced by his infectious status for 67.8% of the dentists. Of these, 19.1% have over 20 years of practice and 48.0% are females. Almost all dentists (93.4%), regardless of gender (96.4% females and 87.8% males) undergo periodic testing for blood-borne viral infections (hepatitis B, C and HIV). Full protective equipment is used for all the patients by 86.2% of the dentists, while 12.5% use it only for the infectious ones. 65.2% of the dentists use steam sterilization equipment (autoclave), and 80,8% use dry heat. The majority of the dentists (82.6%) believe that the patient must always be informed about the adopted infection control measures, but 21.7% declare to do so only in some particular cases. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists knowledge and attitudes towards infection control must be improved by educational interventions in order to adhere to the European standards.

[Prevention of infection transmission in dental laboratories]. / Prevenirea transmiterii infectiei în laboratoarele de tehnica dentara din Iasi.

UNLABELLED: The professional activity in a dental laboratory is associated with a high risk for infection transmission through the manipulation of impressions and prostheses contaminated with patients' saliva and blood. AIM: To assess the compliance of dental technicians in lasi town dental laboratories with the methods used for preventing infection transmission in their practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based survey included 61 dental technicians aged 22 to 58 years from 29 dental laboratories. The 17 questions were related to the protection equipment, air ventilation, and disinfection of surfaces, instruments, impressions, and prostheses. SPSS 14 system, Chi-Square test were used for data analysis, and the levels of statistical significance were set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 90.2% of the subjects claim the need of prosthetic items disinfection upon arrival at the laboratory from the dental office (p < 0.05). The protection equipment is used by 49.1% of the dental technicians included in this survey (full equipment 18.0%, safety glasses 45.9%, mask 37.7%, rubber gloves 19.6%). 59.1% of the laboratories are provided with air ventilation, while surface disinfection is common practice in 85.2%. Of the study subjects 62.1% disinfect the impressions, 26.1% the final prosthesis, and 25.0% disinfect the interocclusal registrations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs aimed at increasing dental technicians' awareness of infection control by adopting the most effective prevention measures are essential for reducing the incidence of technicians, dentists, and patients; exposure.