Clinical protocols in dental practice: Post-COVID-19

Acquisition of potential reservoirs of nosocomial infection on gadgets and clothing in the dental hospital setting: An epidemiological study

Introduction

During dental procedures, dental professionals as well as patients are exposed to pathogens and toxic substances, which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Their clothing is visibly soiled during the procedures. Their hands can serve as vectors for the transmission of pathogens. Use of mobiles, laptop, and other gadgets tend to increase the chances of microbial colonization on these surfaces. The objective of the study is to screen for the presence of microorganism the most common items pertaining to our daily personal utility which are being used in the hospital settings, to access the microbial load and their potential hazards.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 80 samples were collected from different personal utility items such as white coats, mobiles, hand towels, and laptops. These samples were evaluated for the presence of any microbial colonization on them.

Results

All the sampled surfaces showed the presence of microorganisms and all showed polymicrobial growth.

Conclusion

These identified surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated on regular basis to prevent the transmission of pathogens in the dental hospital environment.

Clinical evaluation of winged versus wingless rubber dam clamps in single tooth isolation - A randomized clinical study

Context

Retention of the rubber dam is done with metallic or nonmetallic clamps for isolation. The two types of metallic clamps most frequently used are winged and wingless. The clinical efficacy of both clamps is needed to be compared.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative pain and clinical efficacy of winged clamps and wingless metallic clamps in rubber dam isolation of permanent molars in class I restoration.

Materials and Methods

After obtaining ethical approval and CTRI registration, a total of 60 patients with mild-to-moderate deep class I caries were included after obtaining informed consent and randomly allocated into two assigned groups: Group A - winged clamp and Group B - wingless clamp, with n = 30 per group. Local anesthesia was administered and the tooth was isolated using a rubber dam as per the standardized protocol. The postoperative evaluation was done for pain using the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) at 6 and 12 h; trauma to the gingival tissues, sealing ability of the clamp, and slippage of the clamp were evaluated using criteria for clinical evaluation of rubber dam isolation.

Statistical Analysis Used

Independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare VRS and clinical parameters, respectively, with P < 0.05.

Results

Gingival trauma (P = 0.006) and postoperative pain were statistically significantly more in the wingless group at 6 h (P = 0.016) and 12 h (0.01). Statistically significant lower seepage of fluid (P = 0.017) was observed in the wingless group. Slippage was observed more with the winged group but was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Both clamps showed acceptable clinical performance. Their use should be planned as per the requisite of the case and the position of the tooth.