Prevenzione delle infezioni in odontoiatria: disinfezione e sterilizzazione

Objectives. The aim of this paper is to provide an easy-to-consult vademecum on methods for protecting patients and members of the dentistry staff from infections. Materials and methods. We conducted a review of the main scientific data evidence related to the prevention of infections in dental patients. Results and conclusions. Dental procedures represent a potential risk of infection for patients and staff members alike. It is difficult, however, to correlate the development of specific infections with specific types of treatment. Furthermore, epidemiologic data are not available on the actual number of infections contracted in the dentistry environment. Nevertheless, it is clear that, alongside technical and operational skills, there is an essential need for knowledge relating to the most basic standards of hygiene, sterilization and disinfection processes, and procedures used to verify the latter.