DENTAL SURGERY ASSISTANTS ROLES IN CROSS-INFECTION CONTROL IN GENERALDENTAL PRACTICE - THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF AUTOCLAVES

This study investigated dental surgery assistants' (DSAs) role in prov iding cross-infection control in general dental practice. DSAs' knowle dge about using autoclaves and their compliance with the recommended p rocedures were used as measures. Eighty-nine practices in three distri cts of the North Western Region of England were approached. Fifty-six agreed to permit the study and DSAs in these practices were observed a t work and questioned, a response rate of 63%. Eighteen tasks relating to use of autoclaves (eg correct loading of instruments and correct s torage) were observed and knowledge about them was assessed by questio ning. Each was scored positively if correctly undertaken and answered. Scores for compliance varied between 2 and 12 and between 3 and 15 in the case of knowledge. In all instances certificated DSAs scored more highly than uncertificated DSAs. The study illustrated the value of c ertification, background education and membership of a vocational orga nisation. It supports the belief that all DSAs should be educated to t he level of certification and that this improved education and trainin g would improve cross-infection control in general dental