Abstract

MOTLHAKE, D; MTHETHWA, SR  and  SEKATI, EM. Bacterial contamination of curing light guides: prevalence and students' knowledge and awareness of measures to maintain sterility. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2023, vol.78, n.7, pp.353-358. ISSN 0375-1562.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v78i07.16425.

INTRODUCTION: It is generally accepted that inadequately sterilised dental curing light guides pose risks of infection and cross-contamination. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence and level of bacterial contamination among curing light guides used by students during patient care at a dental school in South Africa and to describe students' knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. DESIGN: A two-part descriptive study consisting of microbiological testing and a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Swabs were collected from curing light guide tips before and after use for aerobic culture and a questionnaire was used to collect data pertaining to students' knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. RESULTS: The prevalence of contamination increased after use (54.5% vs 45.5%). Grades of bacterial growth higher than 1+ were not detected. Isolated bacteria were contaminants. The response rate for the questionnaire was 42.5%. Fifth-year students were overall more knowledgeable than fourth-year students (81.6% vs 67.5%) and were more aware of the existence of the different types of disposable barriers (27.5% vs 12.8%) and the impact of infection control barriers on curing light intensity (52.4% vs 15%). CONCLUSION: Contamination occurred despite high levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk.

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