Infection Control Strategies for the Prevention of Cross-Contamination in Dental Clinics-Updated Review Data

Alghamdi, Seham Mohammed; Arab, Ali Sulaiman; Alomem, Omar Ahmed; Alhazmi, Sarah Faisal; Makki Alharbi, Doaa; Mohammed Abuzaina, Omar; Sameer Baeisa, Dalia; Tarek Hefni, Shaza; Fayhan Almuqati, Nada; Ali Abbas, Fatinh; Mohammad Alhabs, Mashael Abdulrahman; Albakri, Khawlah Ahmed Abdullah

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.357677.11258

Infection Control Strategies for the Prevention of Cross-Contamination in Dental Clinics-Updated Review Data

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Dentist, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia

² Dentist, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/ejchem.2025.357677.11258

Abstract

Background: Dental clinics present significant risks for cross-contamination due to frequent exposure to blood, saliva, and aerosols containing pathogenic microorganisms. Bloodborne pathogens including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pose substantial occupational hazards to dental healthcare workers, with transmission risks varying by pathogen and exposure type. Additionally, respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19 present airborne transmission challenges in dental settings. The implementation of comprehensive infection control strategies is essential to minimize these transmission risks and protect both patients and healthcare providers.

Aim: This updated review examines current evidence regarding infection prevention measures in dental practice settings, with particular focus on standard precautions, transmission-based protocols, personal protective equipment utilization, sterilization methodologies, and post-exposure management protocols. The review aims to synthesize best practices for preventing cross-contamination in dental environments.

Methods: A systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines was conducted, incorporating recent studies on infection control in dental settings. Special attention was given to routes of pathogen transmission, hand hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment efficacy, sharps injury prevention strategies, and instrument sterilization techniques. The review also evaluated emerging data regarding respiratory pathogen transmission in dental contexts.

Results: The analysis revealed several key findings. Standard precautions including proper hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment use, and thorough surface disinfection form the foundation of infection prevention for all patient interactions. Transmission-based precautions, such as N95 respirator use and pre-procedural antimicrobial rinses, are particularly critical for mitigating airborne disease transmission. Among bloodborne pathogens, HBV demonstrates the highest transmission risk following percutaneous exposure at approximately 30%, compared to 1.8% for HCV and 0.3% for HIV. Effective sterilization methods including steam autoclaving and chemical vapor systems were identified as essential for preventing cross-contamination between patients.

Conclusion: Comprehensive infection control protocols incorporating standard and transmission-based precautions, rigorous sterilization practices, and proper personal protective equipment use are critical for minimizing cross-contamination risks in dental settings. Ongoing staff education and protocol adherence remain essential components of effective infection prevention programs. The implementation of these measures significantly reduces occupational exposure risks while protecting patient safety.

Keywords