Abstract:
In a country where the prevalence of infectious diseases ranks among the highest in the
world, infection control in health care facilities should not be debatable. This unfortunately
does not seem to be the case in South African oral health care facilities. This study is a
systematic review of available literature on the adherence of South African oral health care
professionals to infection control recommendations. Nine focus areas were investigated
with regard to infection control practices: knowledge of infectious occupational hazards;
personal hygiene and care of hands; correct application of personal protective equipment;
use of environmental barriers and disposable items; sterilisation (recirculation) of instruments
and handpieces; disinfection (surfaces) and sound housekeeping; management
of waste disposal; quality control of dental unit waterlines, biofilms and water; as well as
other special considerations. Although South African studies are limited and most of them
relied on self-reports, which could have resulted in a serious overestimation of compliance,
even these studies indicate serious shortcomings with regard to infection control
practices in oral health care facilities in this country. This review highlights opportunity for
improvement. Furthermore, it identifies possibilities for future research in infection control
and also opportunities to improve infection control education for all oral health care workers
in the country.
