Abstract
The cross infection risks in dental practice are well recognized, however, the current state of infection control procedures among dental care facilities is unclear. This study investigated the actual situation of infection control and occupational exposures in dental care facilities. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1563 dentistry and oral surgery clinics in general hospitals and university hospitals. A total of 721 replies were received (46.1%) . Most facilities have an infection control committee, although a small number of dentists participate in that committee. Approximately 50% of the facilities carried out screening tests for hepatitis C virus in hospitalized patients. Occupational exposures occurred in 35.5% of the facilities. These accidents were mainly caused during the treatment of patients and operational clean-up procedures by needle for local anaesthesia. To reduce the incidence of these exposures, more training of dental staff may be required.
