Sterilisation patterns in dental practices in Singapore.

A survey to find out the standard of sterilisation of dental equipment was conducted via a questionnaire sent out to all Division I dental surgeons in Singapore. Questions asked determined the main methods of sterilisation/disinfection of hand instruments, air rotor and air motor handpieces, burs, salivary ejectors, ultrasonic scaling tips, and the use of disposable needles, local anesthetic, carpules, and gloves. Results indicated that while most respondents sterilised or disinfected various instruments, there was an apparent misconception that sterilisation and disinfection were the same thing. The majority used boiling with water or cold chemical disinfection. Most respondents were willing to treat patients with known histories of hepatitis B but would refer patients with histories of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).