Open AccessHEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS IN DENTISTRY
Author(s) -
L.F. Horzov,
Ivan Yu. Нanhur,
Ihor V. Sorokopud,
Anzhelika S. Slobodyanyuk
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
shìdnoukraïnsʹkij medičnij žurnal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2664-4231
pISSN - 2663-5909
DOI - 10.21272/eumj.2021;9(3):202-208
Subject(s) - medicine , infection control , transmission (telecommunications) , health care , dental care , infectious disease (medical specialty) , cross infection , personal protective equipment , risk of infection , informed consent , environmental health , family medicine , dentistry , disease , intensive care medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , covid-19 , biology , electrical engineering , engineering , economics , genetics , economic growth
The oral cavity is an ecological niche that is a constant source of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, which in turn pose a risk of cross-contamination and can cause systemic infections. The purpose of the study was to analyze the literature on the occurrence of various infectious diseases associated with the provision of dental care, and to assess the risks of their cross-transmission on the basis of data available in the modern literature.Materials and methods. Extensive collection and analysis of literature data was conducted. In addition, a survey was conducted involving 14 doctors of University Dental Clinic, LLC on the basis of the dental faculty of Uzhhorod National University, 4 doctors of the Transcarpathian Regional Dental Clinic after signing informed consent for personal data processing using a self-developed questionnaire.Research results and their discussion. It has been established that dentists, like all healthcare professionals, face an identified risk of occupational exposure to pathogenic microorganisms such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), various types of bacteria, so they must ensure proper procedure technique to combat cross-infections. However, despite the high level of awareness, it has been found that practical steps to prevent them are still insufficient.Conclusions. All viruses and bacteria, including hepatitis B virus that poses the greatest risk of infection, can be transmitted to a patient or dental staff. Dentists must be fully aware of the risk of the spread of infectious agents and ensure effective procedure technique to control cross-infections.