De-rigueur protocol: Sterilization in orthodontics

Abstract

Orthodontist and his personnel are at risk of being exposed to a wide range of patients with blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and airborne diseases such as tuberculosis and influenza. Infection can be directly transmitted by blood, oral fluids, contaminated instruments and surfaces, or through the respiratory system. Control of infection that spreads through various instruments and armamentarium, which are used in the field of orthodontics and dentistry in general, is an important measure to prevent cross infections which can be achieved by following universal precautions, including the imperative steps of disinfection and sterilization. The objective of sterilization is to remove microorganisms or destroy them from areas or from materials since they cause contamination, infection, and decay. Specific issues in orthodontic office that need to be addressed include increased hand washing, use of barrier techniques, puncture-proof containers for disposal of sharps, and heat sterilization of handpieces and orthodontic instruments. This is of utmost importance to keep patient-to-patient and dentist-to-patient infection transmission at a minimum. In the following article, authors have attempted to provide certain practical guidelines to be followed in practice for optimal infection control.