[Evaluation of microbial air contamination in dental areas]

The Authors carried out a survey in dental wards in order to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative microbial contamination level of the air, which is considered a crucial habitat for the transmission of many infectious diseases. A high microbial counts were found in all of the environments tested; the microorganisms isolated belonged to pathogenous species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemoliticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. lwoffi. It seems necessary, therefore, to carry out preventive interventions directed to the protection of the personnel of dental care and, in particular, of the patients.