Hygienic Study of Dental Operation Room.

Abstract

I. On the operation room pollution by bacteria
1) The number of bacterial colonies which was counted by Koch's method was between 14.0 to 38.3.
2) The number of air bacteria in the operation room largely depended upon whether or not there were any ventilation facilities. More air bacteria were counted when visitors were allowed to enter the room with their shoes.
3) The number of air bacteria counted increased with the lapse of time. The number at the end of the office hours was 2.4 to 2.8 times the number at the opening of the office.
4) The number of bacterial colonies on the bracket table at the closing time of the office was 299.0 which was 7.8 to 9.0 times the number at the time just before opening the office.
II. On the contamination on the dentist's person through his clinical work
1) After wearing the dentist's uniform for one day, 434 colonies were counted at eight (8) fixed spots on the uniform, and the number increased to 26 times, after wearing the same uniform for three (3) days.
2) On the first, second and third fingers of the dentist's right hand, 160 to 192 colonies were counted at the end of his office hours, in spite of the fact that he washed his hands in an antiseptic solution after each patient.
III. On the operation room pollution caused by the air turbine engine
1) The operation room was notably polluted by bacteria when the air turbine engine was used. The area 20 cm to 40 cm from the cutting point was the most polluted. This means- that the dentist and his assistant are working in the most polluted area.
2) Since air turbine gripe was exceedingly contaminated, the dentist's fingers were constantly cotaminated through clenching the gripe as well as using a towel and brush.
IV. Some measures to counter the pollution by scattering backeria
1) If the dental vacuum apparatus is properly installed when air turbine engine is used, the expected pollution at distances of 20 cm to 40 cm from the cutting point effectively decreases.
2) If the bracket table and the engine gripe are sterilized by antiseptic solution at each time, the expected contamination can be fairly reduced. 1 % Osvan was most effective.
3) If the softened dentine is removed as much as possible by the sterilized excavator before using air turbine engine, the expected contamination can be redued.
4) It is effective to carry on thorough gargle before cutting by air turbine engine. 3 % Laboris was more effective.
5) It is possible to reduce the air pollution in the operation room through the use of the ventilation facilities.