Background. This study compares surface bacterial contamination levels in a large teaching clinic in 1998 with that of a 1976 study in the same clinic to determine if renovation and more stringent infection control, or IC, practices have made a difference.
Methods. The authors obtained samples from surfaces in clinic operatories—including the light handle covers, jacket cuffs, sinks and floors—in the morning and afternoon. They compared the bacterial counts from these samples with those from the 1976 study. Data were analyzed using the matched pairs t tests and independent t tests.
Results. In both the 1976 and 1998 studies, mean bacterial counts were higher at the end of the day than in the morning; however, the differences were only significant in the 1976 study. Comparisons between the 1998 and 1976 counts revealed significant differences for the floor, head-rest, light handle covers and clinic jacket cuffs.
Conclusions. Improvements in clinic design and equipment, as well as IC procedures and practices resulted in a lower level of surface bacterial contamination in 1998 than in 1976 in a large teaching clinic.
Clinical Implications. Attention to clinic design and furnishings and adherence to recommended IC practices can reduce microbial surface contamination, thereby reducing the risk of causing cross-infection and making dental practice safer.
