Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
Contamination and control of environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment in dental clinics: a
Jiayan Ding1, Mei Huang1, Yedan Shen2
1Department of Infection Control, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Dental procedures are associated with the production of aerosols, blood, and saliva splashes. However, the extent of blood contamination on surfaces during dental procedures remains largely unknown.
Aim:
To evaluate the contamination of environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPEs) in dental clinics and effects of subsequent disinfection measures.
Methods:
The study was conducted in five dental clinics in Shanghai. The contamination on environmental surfaces around dental chairs, gloves, and face shields was quantified using occult blood detection and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence analysis. Results of ATP tests are displayed in relative light units (RLU). Further analysis was conducted following the implementation of standardized cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Findings:
The presence of occult blood on gloves was most frequent during tooth extraction (67.65%), while the highest RLU values were observed for crown and brace procedures (median: 3214; interquartile range (IQR): 18.00-5371.00). The positive rate of occult blood on face shields was 24.00% (median RLU: 59; IQR: 14.75-206.75). Environmental surfaces most severely contaminated with occult blood were dental chair sink (87.00%), handpiece handle (48.00%), and saliva ejector handle (36.00%). Disinfection measures significantly reduced contamination levels at all sites, with both methods demonstrating substantial reductions in contamination for the dental chair sink, saliva ejector handle, and handpiece handle.
Conclusion:
This study identified high-risk contamination sites and procedures in dental clinics. Disinfection is effective against surface contamination with blood.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
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...
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing

