Review Article
Angelina Kiselova, Doan Ziy
Abstract
The article studies a topical problem related to cross-infection and its control in dentistry. In recent years much attention has focused on this problem first of all with hepatitis B and its related agents, and then with HIV. Although screening is possible in some cases, in day-to-day practice and in particularly in private dentists' surgeries, this is of little value as most of the individuals with Hepatitis B and HIV infection are asymptomatic and therefore difficult to identify. Hence, in order to avoid such risks, safe practice mandates the use of strict cross-infection control as part of everyday practice on all patients. Bacterial infection is regarded as a major etiological factor in focal infection of dental origin. This is a problem that can be overcome by relevant treatment of the disorders of development of the teeth and related tissues. The prevention of cross-infection becomes the focal point in the education of students of dentistry from their very first day at the Faculty of Dentistry both in terms of their own health safety and that of their patients. Besides, it is also a state policy - all health control bodies are primarily concerned with hygiene and health safety in terms of cross-infection prevention. The author shares her experience and practice in cross-infection control and prevention.