A national study of cross infection control: 'are we clean enough?'

To establish what cross infection control policies and procedures are in place within UK orthodontic departments and how they compare with recommended guidelines.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study investigating UK orthodontic departments between March 2007 and January 2008.

The main outcome measure was a questionnaire constructed for the study, based on current cross infection control guidelines. All orthodontic departments within district general hospitals were invited to participate via email and the response rate was 48%.

Five key areas were explored, which included a) training, education and personal protection, b) the clinical environment, c) decontamination of instruments, d) decontamination of appliances and impressions and e) disposal of waste. Ninety-eight percent of departments provided training in cross infection control and 98% also had a policy to check staff immunisation status. With respect to the clinical environment, 97% of the departments surveyed had separate 'clean' and 'dirty' zones. Half of all departments used central sterile services departments (CSSD) for instrument sterilisation. Seventy-eight percent of departments had a policy to decontaminate impressions/appliances at the chairside and all departments used 'yellow bags' for clinical waste and puncture-proof containers for sharps waste.

UK orthodontic departments have implemented policies and procedures which would ensure a high standard of cross infection control. In particular, this related to the decontamination of surfaces and instruments, the use of personal protection and disposal of clinical waste. Most departments had policies and procedures in place for staff education and training in cross infection control and personal protection.