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Microbial contamination of used dental handpieces

Gordon Smith1, Andrew Smith1

  • 1Institute of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.

American Journal of Infection Control
|September 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Used dental handpieces (HPs) harbor significant microbial contamination, including oral streptococci, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus. This highlights the critical need for proper cleaning and sterilization protocols to prevent patient cross-infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Dental Instruments

Background:

  • Dental handpieces (HPs) are critical instruments in dental procedures.
  • Internal components of HPs can harbor microorganisms after patient use.
  • Inadequate reprocessing of HPs poses a risk for cross-infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess microbial contamination levels on used, unprocessed internal components of dental handpieces.
  • To identify specific microorganisms present on contaminated dental handpieces.
  • To emphasize the importance of effective cleaning and sterilization protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Dental handpieces were aseptically dismantled.
  • Internal components were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline.
  • Ultrasonication and microbial culturing were performed to quantify contamination.

Main Results:

  • Significant microbial contamination was detected on internal HP components.
  • Median contamination levels: 200 CFU/turbine, 400 CFU/spray channel, 1000 CFU/surgical gear.
  • Identified isolates included oral streptococci, Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

  • Recovery of Staphylococcus aureus underscores the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Effective cleaning and sterilization of dental handpieces after each patient are essential.
  • Adherence to infection control guidelines is crucial to prevent cross-contamination.
Keywords:
BiofilmCross-infectionDental turbineStaphylococcus aureus

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