Comparison of handpiece asepsis among Ohio dentists: 1991 & 1992

In 1991, we found that 23 percent of Ohio dentists sterilized handpieces between patients and 67 percent flushed handpieces between patients. In this study, we chose to investigate the changes in handpiece asepsis within Ohio dental offices for the twelve-month period ending August, 1992. Sixty-two percent of the 730 offices polled responded to the questionnaire. Offices reporting sterilization of handpieces between patients in 1992 is 80 percent compared to 23 percent in 1991. Sixty-nine percent of offices in the 1992 survey reported that they have changed infection control protocol to include heat sterilization of handpieces between patients while 24 percent report disinfection between patients. Back order of equipment, inadequate number of handpieces and fear of damage is cited by the offices using disinfection as the reasons for not sterilizing handpieces. Flushing handpieces between patients is reported by 83 percent of the offices. Previously, only 67 percent flushed between patients. Anti-retraction valves are present in 69 percent of the water lines. Breakdown of handpieces attributed to sterilization was reported by 45 percent of the offices. Two-hundred and three offices (45 percent) report questions from patients regarding office infection control policies. Infection control awareness of the general population and implementation of these procedures by dental professionals is increasing in Ohio.