Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the compliance of a group of dental health care workers and students in aspects of cross-infection control.
Design: The dentists and dental students working in a dental clinic were observed by a 'hidden' ceiling-mounted video camera. Procedures were recorded onto videotape and the actions of the observed clinicians and students assessed by two suitably qualified assessors.
Setting: An emergency Oral Medicine clinic in a dental hospital.
Subjects: Seventy nine dentists and 35 dental undergraduates.
Methods: The action of staff and students were recorded on videotape and assessed retrospectively.
Main outcome measures: Degree of compliance with recognised infection control policies.
Results: Compliance with recommended guidelines for control of cross-infection was poor. In only 56% of health care worker-patient contacts were protective gloves changed between patients. Facemasks and protective eyewear were only worn in 38% and 29% of such contacts respectively.
Conclusions: Compliance with cross-infection control measures are poor in dentistry--even when clinicians are provided with appropriate facilities.