Abstract:
Many publications are available on the topic of compliance with infection prevention and control in oral health-care
facilities all over the world. The approaches of developing and developed countries show wide variation, but the principles
of infection prevention and control are the same globally. This study is a systematic review and global perspective
of the available literature on infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities. Nine focus areas on compliance
with infection-control measures were investigated: 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 housekeeping; management
of waste disposal; quality control of dental unit waterlines, biofilms and water; and some special considerations. Various
international studies from developed countries have reported highly scientific evidence-based information. In developed
countries, the resources for infection prevention and control are freely available, which is not the case in developing
countries. The studies in developing countries also indicate serious shortcomings with regard to infection prevention and
control knowledge and education in oral health-care facilities. This review highlights the fact that availability of
resources will always be a challenge, but more so in developing countries. This presents unique challenges and the
opportunity for innovative thinking to promote infection prevention and control.
