Cross infection: How frequently do dentists change into a clean set of clinical clothing?

Aim To investigate the types of clinical clothing worn by dentists and how frequently dentists changed into a clean set of clinical clothing. Study Type Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Sample Two hundred and fifty general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the NHS with North West of England region and 250 dentists in the Dental Defence Agency (DDA).

Method A questionnaire was developed which aimed to investigate the types of clothing worn for upper and lower body protection, and how frequently it was changed. This was posted to the sample of dental surgeons. Results Ninety per cent of GDPs and 99 per cent of DDA dentists reported wearing some form of clinical clothing to protect their upper body. Twenty-nine per cent of GDPs and 93 per cent of DDA dentists wore some form of designated clinical clothing to protect their lower body. Less than 50 per cent of both groups reported changing clothing on a daily basis. Thirty-six per cent of GDPs and 96 per cent of DDA dentists removed their clinical clothing before leaving work.

Conclusion Dentists generally wear appropriate clinical clothing for their upper body protection but fall short of the guidelines for lower body protection. To improve cross infection control dental surgeons need to improve the frequency of changing into a clean set of clinical clothing.