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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Oral Biofilm Analysis of Palatal Expanders by Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2011
Using a biological indicator to detect potential sources of cross-contamination in the dental operatory
R W Hackney1, J J Crawford, J J Tulis
1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University Health and Safety Office 27514, USA.
Abstract:
The authors conducted a study using surveillance monitoring methodology to identify operatory contamination and to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control procedures. Viridans streptococci were evaluated as biological indicators of oral contamination. Viridans streptococci, abundant in human saliva, were detected on operatory surfaces after dental treatments were finished and surfaces were disinfected. The findings validate current concepts of infection control as demonstrated in barrier methods.
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