Utilization of personal protective equipment in general dental practice

Abstract

The principles of universal precautions are central to infection control. These principles form the basis or current guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in dental practice. This study, which examined the patterns of use of PPE in general dental practice, was based on a postal survey of 250 dentists in Brisbane (41 per cent of the total private general practitioners in the region). Routine use of PPE was commonplace (gloves, 84-6 per cent; masks, 55.7 per cent; eyewear, 77.6 per cent), but complete compliance with current acommendations for glove handling and hand care had not been achieved. Potential problem areas in terms of attitudes to PPE were identified, as were inconsistencies in the use of PPE in both clinical and non-clinical settings. These findings emphasize the need for further educational campaigns in practical infection control measures.