The detection of blood on dental surgery surfaces and equipment following dental hygiene treatment.

The Kastle-Meyer technique, a forensic test for blood, has been employed to assess the frequency and potential routes of contamination by blood between patients, staff and equipment during routine dental hygiene treatment. Fifty treatment sessions were studied and units were cleaned between patients according to the current hospital protocol. The surfaces most frequently contaminated after treatment were the 3-in-1 syringe buttons (40%), protective bibs (22%), tap handles (20%), light handles (18%) and operating cart handles (16%).

A survey of patients seen in consultant clinics in conservative dentistry at Edinburgh Dental Hospital in 1990.

A baseline study of referrals by letter to a department of conservative dentistry staffed purely by honorary consultants was conducted for one year. Distinct differences were found between the majority of patients referred from general practice and those referred from other sources. Principal reasons for referral were problems of tooth replacement, appearance, endodontics and tooth wear.