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T
here is growing concern about the issue of studies have found pumice in commercial laborato-
cross-infection in dental clinics and labora- ries that was contaminated by potentially pathogenic
tories, especially after several studies found microorganisms, such as gram-negative bacilli of
that transmission of infection to dental laboratory the genus Acinetobacter, as well as Micrococcus,
technicians is mainly by contaminated impressions Pseudomonas, Moraxella, and Alcaligenes.6-8 These
or by improper handling of clinical items after arrival bacteria, which are not part of normal oral flora, can
at the dental laboratory. Three studies published in cause serious diseases if passed to patients whose
1990, 1996, and 2002 reported that more than 60 dentures are polished with contaminated material
percent of prostheses delivered to dental clinics and to the technician by exposure to contaminated
from laboratories were contaminated with patho- aerosol. Williams et al.9 reported an increase in cases
genic microorganisms originating in the oral cavity of pneumonia in individuals exposed to lathe aero-
of patients.1-3 In prosthetic laboratories, lathes and sol. Another study reported ten cases of infection by
pumice used for polishing and finishing of prosthe- Mycoplasma pneumoniae involving persons working
ses have been described as the greatest sources of in dental prosthetic laboratories; the investigators
contamination.4 suspected that these infections were derived from
Potential pathogenic microbiologic cross- manipulation of prostheses contaminated by these
contamination from various sources by way of the microorganisms.10
dental laboratory has been documented, and guide- Dental prostheses should be disinfected before
lines to reduce it have been published.5 A previous they are sent to the laboratory and upon return to the
study reported that nine out of ten sterile complete dental clinic. However, despite rigorous control of
dentures that were fractured and sent to different sterilization and disinfection of instruments in dental
dental laboratories for repair were contaminated clinics, prosthetic appliances do not always receive
with potentially pathogenic microorganisms.6 Several adequate infection control.11
Table 3. Adherence to infection control procedures among dental technicians in commercial dental laboratories
Infection Control Procedure Regularly Occasionally Never
N (%) N (%) N (%)
Wear gloves when receiving clinical items from clinics. 20 (10%) 14 (7%) 166 (83%)
Continue to wear gloves during work. 6 (3%) 194 (97%)
Wear protective eyeglasses during laboratory work. 70 (35%) 15 (7.5%) 115 (57.5%)
Wear protective face shields during laboratory work. 80 (40%) 19 (9.5%) 101 (50.5%)
Ensure previous disinfection of clinical items. 34 (17%) 29 (14.5%) 137 (68.5%)
Disinfect clinical items if not disinfected in clinic. 6 (3%) 29 (14.5%) 165 (82.5%)
Change pumice slurry and water of pressure pot. 5 (2.5%) 23 (11.5%) 172 (86%)
Disinfect laboratory work before sending to clinic. 40 (20%) 35 (17.5%) 125 (62.5%)
Pose financial burden. 160 (80%) 40 (20%)