New Zealand oral health practitioners' cross-infection control practices

摘要

Background and objectives: The only national study of cross-infection control (CIC) practices among New Zealand dentists was conducted 25 years ago. It found that many dentists did not routinely adhere to CIC protocols. The aim of this study was to update information on New Zealand dentists' and allied dental practitioners' adherence to current CIC protocols. Methods: Electronic and paper survey of 889 randomly-selected New Zealand oral health practitioners, comprising dentists (general dental practitioners and specialists) and allied dental practitioners (dental hygienists, dental therapists and clinical dental technicians). Results: The response rate was 39.7%. Most practitioners (69.3%) reported that they always wash their hands between patients, wear gloves, wear a mask, use eye protection and offer eye protection to patients, while the remainder did not always do one or more of these. Proportionally more allied dental practitioners than dentists reported that they always follow all of these practices. Nearly all respondents (98.8%) indicated that they used an autoclave and most respondents (99.5%) reported that they always autoclave dental handpieces. Fewer than half of practitioners (45.2%) had read all three Dental Council New Zealand (DCNZ) CIC-related documents. A majority (94.2%) reported that they had full immunity against Hepatitis B. Some (21.4%) had received a dental sharps injury in the past year. Conclusion: Most New Zealand practitioners are following CIC protocols, but a number are still not doing so, putting patients and the dental team at risk.