Infection control update: beware of the ragwheel

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infection Control
• Microbiology

Background:

• Traditional infection control in dentistry focused on the operatory, handpieces, and patient protection.
• Emerging knowledge highlights the need to expand infection control to other areas, including dental laboratories.
• Dental lathes and their components, like ragwheels, are often overlooked as potential disease transmission sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microbial contamination of ragwheels used in dental laboratories.
• To assess the potential infection risk posed by ragwheels to patients and dental professionals.
• To emphasize the need for updated infection control protocols for dental laboratory settings.

Main Methods:

• Collection of ragwheel and pumice samples from dental laboratory lathes.
• Microbiological culturing of collected samples to identify microbial presence.
• Analysis of microbial growth to determine contamination levels.

Main Results:

• Culturing revealed significant microbial contamination on ragwheels and pumice samples.
• The findings indicate a substantial infection threat from ragwheels to both patients and operators.
• The study underscores the inadequacy of current infection control measures in dental laboratories.

Conclusions:

• Ragwheels used in dental laboratories are a significant source of microbial contamination.
• There is an urgent need for comprehensive infection control guidelines specifically for dental laboratories.
• Implementing enhanced safety protocols is essential to mitigate infection risks associated with dental laboratory procedures.