Office sterilization and asepsis procedures in endodontics.

Available evidence that there has been an epidemic of hepatitis B in the population since the 1960s and of the vulnerability of clinical dental and endodontic personnel has indicated a need to improve general asepsis procedures to guard against the spread of infection, and to improve screening for possible carriers. Specific improvements in personal protection, surface disinfectants and procedures, and control of bacterial populations in dental water units as well as broader use of instrument sterilization can provide safer conditions of treatment for patients and personnel alike. Monitoring of asepsis can increase awareness and guide improvements of skills in aseptic treatment, and improved methods of transporting samples can improve recovery of anaerobic pathogens for determinations of antibiotic susceptibility.