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Evaluating Infection Control Practices Among Dentists in Vâlcea, Romania, in 1998

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Rosemary E. Duffy ,
Jennifer L. Cleveland ,
Yvan J. Hutin  and
Denise Cardo
Rosemary E. Duffy
Affiliation:
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia
Jennifer L. Cleveland
Affiliation:
Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, Georgia
Yvan J. Hutin
Affiliation:
Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
Denise Cardo*
Affiliation:
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia
*
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-68, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333
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Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate infection control knowledge and practices, provide training on universal-standard precautions (USP), and improve infection control knowledge and practices among dentists.

Setting:

Private and public dental offices in Vâlcea, Romania.

Methods:

Information about the use of hepatitis B vaccine, knowledge of and training in USP, perceived risks of disease transmission, and infection control practices was gathered from a sample of dentists through interviews, direct observations, and a survey administered during a training session.

Results:

Interviews among dentists and direct observations of infection control practices revealed that resources were often scarce in public clinics; however, availability of supplies in private or public clinics often did not correlate with adherence to proper infection control. Of 125 registered dentists, 46 (37%) attended the session and completed the survey. Of these, 75% worked in public clinics, 40% in private practices, and a few in both. More than 50% believed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was low in their patients compared with the Romanian population. Only 26% of dentists had received hepatitis B vaccine. Dentists reported a mean of six percutaneous injuries a year. Most (89%) reported that gloves were effective in preventing HBV transmission; 24% wore them for every patient. Most used dry heat sterilization; however, chemical disinfectants were also used.

Conclusions:

Resources were limited, receipt of hepatitis vaccine was low, and infection control knowledge and practices varied. Training and education are needed regarding the importance of USP, hepatitis B vaccination, and alternative practices when resources are insufficient.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 25 , Issue 7 , July 2004 , pp. 570 - 575
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2004

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