Infection control in North American dental schools

A questionnaire concerning infection control issues was sent to all North American dental schools in 1987. The results were compared with a similar survey conducted by the same authors in 1982. The purposes of the survey were to identify changes that have occurred in dental school infection control policies in the past six to seven years, and to study strengths and weaknesses of current policies. The results of the survey indicate a much greater emphasis on instrument sterilization and the use of barriers during dental treatment than in 1982. Compliance with the policy is not always satisfactory, however. It also shows some inconsistency and confusion in areas dealing with hepatitis B and HIV carrier patients and dental school personnel. Several respondents included written infection control protocols with the questionnaire. Information gained from the survey and the enclosures were used to develop guidelines to help schools improve and update their infection control policies.