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Adherence to infection control in dentistry

 

Clinical bottom line

This systematic review suggests that adherence to infection control guidelines in dentistry has improved. Management of needlestick injuries remains problematic. The review gives little quantitative date, though has exhaustive searching.

Reference

BL Gordon et al. Systematic review of adherence to infection control, guidelines in dentistry. Journal of Dentistry 2001 29: 509-516.

Systematic review

The systematic review used an exhaustive search strategy including eight electronic databases. Some journals were hand searched, and conference abstracts looked at. Any type of study design was allowed.

Results

The review found 71 studies that were relevant. there was no quantitative or qualitative synthesis, but rather a descriptive description of some of the studies.

Comment

At the very least this review has identified important studies in this area. It suggests that adherence to infection control guidelines in dentistry has improved. Management of needlestick injuries remains problematic.