Online audiovisual resources for learning the disinfection protocol for dental impressions: A critical analysis

Mainly because of poor training, substandard impression disinfection practices have been reported worldwide.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the extension, usefulness, and reliability of contents on this topic available on the main video websites for self-training.

An analysis of the YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion websites was undertaken in February 2018. The exclusion criteria were animal procedures, non-English language videos, advertisements, videos exclusively redirecting to websites, soundless videos, duplicated videos, and videos reporting on a research project. Information extension was assessed in 6 nonmutually exclusive dimensions, and usefulness was evaluated by using a 10-item scale. Reliability was assessed on a reliable or nonreliable basis. Statistical analyses were undertaken by using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests.

Of 386 identified videos, only 22 met the selection criteria, mostly published by health-care professionals (n=8; 36.4%). Most videos had less than 3000 views. Median usefulness score: 3 (IR: 3-3; range: 0-6). No video included all 7 topics considered in the index (median 3; IR: 2.25-3; range: 0-4). Just 5 clips (22.7%) described a procedure according to the American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control (ADA and CDC) guidelines.

Audiovisual online resources on dental impression disinfection includes incomplete information with limited usefulness and reliability. The number of views was not related to quality, and therefore, many viewers may be obtaining knowledge from substandard material.