Cross Infection in Dentistry

Abstract

Patients are becoming more sophisticated in their scrutinizing of the dental and medical professions' approach to asepsis. The current climate in society regarding infectious diseases in general, and herpes, hepatitis and HIV infections, in particular, dictates that today’s dental practices must use effective infection control techniques. Dental appliances such as dentures could infect technicians and auxiliary staff, or impressions used to make models of the mouth. Disinfection of impressions is a part of the universal package of precautions required for protecting both patients and dental personnel from harmful microorganisms present in the mouth.