Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the occurrence of heterotrophic plate count bacteria (HPCs), fecal bacterial indicators, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on hard, nonporous surfaces (fomites) commonly found in dental offices, and to assess the impact of a hygienic disinfection intervention on the reduction of these bacteria in the office setting.
Methods: Samples of various fomites were collected from dental offices located in Arizona (6) and Illinois (4) and assayed for HPCs, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and MRSA in order to establish baseline bacterial levels. Dental office personnel were then provided with disposable disinfectant wipes containing hydrogen peroxide to use in the office, and the surfaces were subsequently resampled to assess their impact on the specified bacterial populations.
Results: The greatest numbers of HPCs were found on the patients' arm rest and office phones, with dental tool handles and the dentist examination lights yielding the lowest levels. Coliform bacteria and E. coli were also detected on those surfaces demonstrating the highest HPCs, and were cultured from other fomites as well. MRSA was also isolated from 5% of the fomites tested. The use of disinfectant wipes significantly reduced the numbers of HPC bacteria detected on fomites (p=0.002). No total coliforms, E. coli, or MRSA were cultured from disinfected fomites following the hygienic intervention.
Conclusion: The use of hydrogen peroxide-impregnated towelettes reduced total bacterial numbers on fomites commonly located in dental offices. Total coliforms, E. coli, and MRSA were reduced to levels below detection.
Footnotes
Charles P. Gerba, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at The University of Arizona. Gerardo U. Lopez, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at The University of Arizona. Luisa A. Ikner, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at The University of Arizona.
This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Occupational Health and Safety: Evaluation of a hygienic disinfection intervention to reduce microbiological ergonomic hazards for dental hygienists (aerosols, chemicals, latex, nitrous oxide, noise and infectious diseases).
Disclaimers/Disclosures: This study was supported in part by a grant to The University of Arizona from The Clorox Company.
Funding Sources for the Project: The Clorox Company.
- Copyright © 2016 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association
