Infection control practices and compliance to national recommendations among dentists in Romania

The aim of this study was to measure dental office compliance with current Romanian infection control regulations. A questionnaire was completed and r eturned from 61 randomly selected offices (32 private and 29 public with 94 dentists), where the sterilisers were also biologically monitored. Results indicated that with few exceptions, infection control practices in public and private offices were the same, with compliance on sterilising reusable instruments. Private offices monitored their sterilisers more frequently an d had much newer equipment. Gowns were universally worn, but use of gloves, masks and protective eyewear showed non-compliance with less than 10 per t ent of the offices using personal protective equipment for all patients. Co st was the deciding factor. Predominant environmental disinfectants were al cohol and bleach. Offices were in compliance as to the use of disposable an aesthetic needles and carpules. Dentists reported reluctance to be vaccinat ed against hepatitis B even when offered free immunisations (6.4 per cent) and only 18.1 per cent of dentists had received any infection control train ing in the last three years. Results indicate that offices were in complian ce for most national regulations. However, there are no recently published standards for dentistry in Romania concerning disinfectants or continuing e ducation. Comparison with the literature indicates comparable compliance wi th recommended national infection control procedures for Romanian dentists as for dentists in other countries.