Journal of Contemporary Dentistry

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VOLUME 8 , ISSUE 2 ( May-August, 2018 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Asepsis Measures Undertaken by Mumbai Based Orthodontists: A Survey Report

Floyd S Fernandes, Amol C Mhatre, Divij D Joshi, Prateek Daga, Neeraj E Kolge, Swapnagandha R Kate

Keywords : Clinical aseptic procedures, Infection control, Orthodontic office

Citation Information : Fernandes FS, Mhatre AC, Joshi DD, Daga P, Kolge NE, Kate SR. Asepsis Measures Undertaken by Mumbai Based Orthodontists: A Survey Report. J Contemp Dent 2018; 8 (2):77-82.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10031-1226

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-03-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess and evaluate Mumbai based orthodontists based on recommended (Centre of Disease Control) infection control procedures followed by them in their practice. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire of 24 questions which was sent by personal e-mail and communication through the phone to active orthodontic professionals in Mumbai (n = approximately 300) from January to February, 2018. The questionnaire was accessible for 2 months. The data generated were collected and analyzed. Results: The results showed that 50.9% of respondents sterilized their instruments at the end of each day and 66.7% used a steam sterilizer. Twenty point three percent sterilized their instruments between patients and 56.4% used heat/self-sealed pouches to package instruments. Twenty-four point four percent stored them in a sterilized environment and 25.6% ran equipment maintenance every month. Eighty-two point two percent sterilized tried-in preformed molar bands before putting them back in storage and only 36.2% used steam sterilization for the same. Twentyseven point five percent placed the bands in an ultrasonic cleaner before sterilization. Sixty six point five percent used pre-determined lengths of elastomeric chain. Ninety-two point two percent used pre-determined lengths of ligature wire. Twenty-nine point seven percent disinfected alginate impressions. Fifty-three point two percent used a plastic barrier on the dental chair's light handle while only 24.3% used a barrier around the anesthetic spray canister. Seventy five point nine percent followed standard hand scrub protocol between patients. Thirty-one point four percent had their offices fumigated on a regular basis. Fourteen point nine percent had sterilization efficacy tests done. Eighty-five point six percent had themselves and their staff vaccinated against Hepatitis B while 72.8% had received the booster dose. Sixty-seven point six percent have been vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Fifty-three point four percent underwent regular health check-ups. Conclusion: The survey displayed a varying percentage of Orthodontic practitioners who follow recommended centres of disease control and prevention (CDC) infection control and aseptic core orthodontic clinical procedures in Mumbai. There is a need to increase knowledge and awareness regarding general aseptic dental procedures and maintenance of equipment. This demands a more proactive attitude towards knowledge acquisition and implementation of aseptic procedures by the orthodontists of Mumbai in a dental office.


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