Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Assessment of dental clinics' infection control function using a checklist during the COVID-19 pandemic
Zahra Momeni1, Hamid Mirshamsi2, Nastaran Parviz3
1Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. z.momeni@abzums.ac.ir.
Introduction:
The heightened risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental procedures has been a major concern in dentistry. To curb the spread of the virus, breaking the chain of transmission is paramount. This study aimed to assess infection control function in dental clinics using a supervisory checklist developed specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
In April 2020, Alborz University of Medical Sciences introduced a 46-item checklist to guide infection control. Regular inspections of clinics began in June 2020 and continued every 6 months. Inspectors, accompanied by either the clinic manager or the infection control team, completed the checklist to evaluate protocol adherence. This retrospective cross-sectional study presents findings from the initial round of inspections.
Results:
Clinics were categorized as adherent or non-adherent based on achieving at least 50% of the total checklist score. Of the 76 clinics evaluated, 66 (86.8%) met the adherence criteria. The highest compliance was observed in question 12 (separation of employee and patient restrooms), with 81.6% adherence. The lowest compliance was in question 31 (use of disposable waterproof shoe covers), with only 26.3% adherence.
Conclusion:
Over 80% of dental clinics demonstrated satisfactory adherence to COVID-19 infection control protocols. However, to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19, particularly its more contagious variants, enhancing compliance across all infection control measures remains essential.
Related Concept Videos
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:

