Document 0310
 DOCN  M9490310
 TI    Sterilization of dental instruments and devices: an update.
 DT    9411
 AU    Goodman HS; Carpenter RD; Cox MR; Dental Public Health Residency
       Program, VA Medical Center, Perry; Point, MD 21902.
 SO    Am J Infect Control. 1994 Apr;22(2):90-4. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94338022
 AB    Dental sterilization techniques have become a focus of attention as a
       result of disclosure of occupational HIV transmission from an infected
       dentist to a cluster of patients. Although there has never been a
       confirmed report of a patient acquiring an infectious blood-borne
       disease from a dental instrument or device, recommendations for
       universal sterilization of dental handpieces and other devices have
       recently been implemented. Because of the higher rate of hepatitis B
       virus transmissability in the dental health care environment, an upgrade
       in sterilization protocols may be warranted. Stringent sterilization
       standards are especially necessary in higher-risk institutional dental
       care settings. However, a high rate of dental sterilization errors has
       been reported and traced to operator error. Recent institutional dental
       sterilization policy changes have been developed to reduce the chance of
       sterilization error, further diminishing the risk of cross
       contamination.
 DE    Comparative Study  *Dental Equipment  Dental Instruments  Disease
       Transmission, Professional-to-Patient  Hepatitis B/TRANSMISSION  Human
       HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION  Occupational Exposure  Risk Factors
       *Sterilization/METHODS/STANDARDS  JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW,
       TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).