ABSTRACT
Introduction: Infection control procedures are implemented in dental clinics to reduce the risk of cross-contamination; saliva, blood, or airborne droplets containing infective agents are example of direct contamination, while indirect exposure via contact with contaminated surfaces and dental equipments such as dental chair, tray, faucet, air syringe, suction tip, gutta percha, paper points, retraction cords, and dental floss containers. Dental floss is known to be an integral part of most dental procedures. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding cross-contamination of dental floss containers among a selected population of dental assistants in dental clinics at King Saud University (KSU). Material and Methods: A swab was taken from 60 dental floss containers selected by simple random sampling among 60 different dental clinics at KSU and culture test was done using a charcoal transport swab to identify the type of bacteria that might be present on the dental floss containers. Also a Google forms questionnaire which consisted of 20 multiple choice questions, including demographic questions on gender, nationality, and professional experience, followed by questions to evaluate different infection control concepts and practices. Results: This study included 70 dental assistants, most of whom were female (94.3 %). A significant number (41.4 %) of the dental assistants have never heard of OSHA course, and most of them (77.1 %) have never taken an OSHA course. Some participants who attended > 2 infection control courses (37.8 %) did not disagree that it is a waste of material to use new gloves to clean each clinic. Regarding the laboratory results for the collected samples, the highest frequency was noted for Staphylococcus hominis (27.8 %). Conclusion: The present study concluded that there is still further need for implementation of infection control programs and raising more awareness regarding this subject.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Odontogenic tumors (OTs) represent an uncommon group of lesions that arise from the tooth-forming apparatus. They pose a significant diagnostic and management challenge. There is a lack of data among the Saudi population. The aim of the study was to establish the relative frequency of the various histological types of OTs. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective study of 188 cases of OTs using the histopathology archives of the College of Dentistry, King Saud University. METHODS: The histopathology archives of the College of Dentistry, King Saud University were reviewed from January 1984 to December 2010 for OTs. The age and gender of the patients, tumor site, and histopathologic typing were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 188 (4.3%) patients met the criteria for being classified as an OT. Odontogenic keratocystic tumor (36.7%) was the most commonly diagnosed, followed by ameloblastoma (25.0%), odontoma (14.9%), and odontogenic myxoma (6.4%). Two cases of malignant OTs (1.1%) are found. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The most frequently affected area was the posterior mandible (48.9%), followed by the anterior maxilla (22.9%). CONCLUSION: This is a relatively large series of OTs revealing aspects of similarities and differences with those of previous studies of populations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The findings of the present study may be useful as a guide for clinicians who need to make clinical judgments prior to biopsy about the most probable diagnosis.
