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ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558
The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| Tel. |
966-1-467-7328 |
| Fax. |
933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534 |
| Email |
saudidj@ksu.edu.sa |
|
Infection control practice in private dental laboratories in Riyadh Abdulaziz A. Al-Kheraif, BSc, MPhil, PhD Fahmy A. Mobarak, BDS, MS, PhD Department of Dental Hygiene Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud University
BACKGROUND: In view of the
risk of infection of dental health care workers and patients, interruption of
possible chains of infection is to be demanded. OBJECTIVE: The
objective of this study was to assess infection control practice in private
dental laboratories in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The
study was conducted on thirty-two private dental laboratories in Riyadh City
regarding infection control practiced by these laboratories. The instrument of
the study consisted of ten open-ended questions that were asked from the
laboratories directors. RESULTS: A large percentage of the
surveyed laboratories (87.5 %) did not implement any infection control protocol
during their practice. The mean number of impressions received per week was 16.
Most of the surveyed laboratories (90.6 %) had no way of communication with the
clinics regarding the disinfection procedures. The results indicated that 62.5
% of the laboratories reported that they were aware that they may get infection
from non-disinfected items. Only a small percentage (6.2%) of the laboratories
added disinfecting agent to pumice slurry. Wearing laboratory coats was
reported by 75% of the laboratory workers. The use of gloves during work was
reported by 59.3% of the laboratories while 56.2% reported the use protective
eyewear. Only 21.8% of the laboratories use face masks during work. CONCLUSIONS:
Construction of infection control manuals that contain updated and
recommended guidelines to ensure aseptic practice in private dental
laboratories is highly recommended. Also, a way of communication between
dentists and dental technicians regarding disinfection of laboratory items
should be strongly encouraged.
Saudi Dental Journal 2008;20(3):163-169. |