2004 – VOLUME 33 – Issue 1

Even though there is unanimous agreement on the necessity of working conditions with a high hygiene level, there seems to be no real consensus about the best possible method at present. The risk of transmission of infectious disease during dental treatment is not infrequent and represents thus a reality, taken into consideration by the dental team when applying standard preventive hygiene and sterilization methods. Problems encountered over this subject concern their technical application and the dentist´s continuous education, new pathologies and their prevention. Aims : the aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of preventive measures of viral transmission during dental care, taking into account the structural obstacles as well as the ones bound to the dental team. Materials and methods : information about standard disinfection and sterilization methods was given in three dental departments, two of them university treatment centres and one insurance bound centre. Data about the perception of preventive measures and their application was collected by anonymous questionnaires. Results : the analysis of the results has shown misfunctionments concerning the equipment in dental practice and in terms of behaviour during treatment. Conclusions : a concept of zero risk is not applicable. Thus through better information about viral contamination and universal preventive methods, security can be ensured for patients and for the team of dental professionals.