Infection Control in Dentistry

Sterilization and disinfection are important infection control measures to ensure that medical and surgical tools do not transmit infections to patients. Both dental professionals and patients are at risk of exposure to pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that affect the oral cavity and respiratory tract. The pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted in dental offices via inhalation of airborne microorganisms that can stay in the air for some time, direct contact with oral fluids and blood, or contact of nasal, oral mucosa and conjunctival with aerosols and droplets containing pathogens from an infected patient or expelled from a distance by coughing or talking without a face mask. Also, a person might be infected from direct or indirect contact with contaminated instruments and environmental surfaces, thus making infection control very necessary.

Thorough dental sterilization and disinfection practices in dentistry protect patients, dentists and the entire dental team. They stop the growth of pathogens on instruments and surfaces around the dental practice. These infection control measures also ensure that the germs in a patient’s mouth do not affect anyone else and that no patient can pass anything to the next patient through the dental chair's surface. Improper sterilization and disinfection can cause sicknesses like COVID-19 and may lead to severe complications for patients with preexisting conditions. Infection control consisting of sterilization procedures can save patients’ lives.