Abstract

Airborne Microbial Contamination in Dental Practices in Iasi, Romania

Lucia B

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess dental practice airborne microbial contamination during clinical activity in order to evaluate the risk of infection for the patients and dental staff. Methods: A total of 90 air samples was collected in 15 dental practices in Iasi, Romania, at the beginning of the working day and after four hours of clinical activity. On each occasion, a set of three culture medium plates was exposed for 15 minutes in two dental office sites. The air samples were tested microbiologically in the Laboratory of Microbiology at the Institute of Public Health, Iasi, Romania. The bacteriological indicators that were used were total number of mesophilic germs (TNMG; CFU/m3), Staphylococcus aureus (CFU/m3) and Fungi (CFU/m3). The bacteriological results were correlated with the treatment procedures. Collected data were analysed using statistical software (P