Infection control and contaminated waste disposal practices in Southern Sydney Area Health Service Dental Clinics.

The sterilization and contaminated waste disposal practices in all 14 dental clinics operated by the Southern Sydney Area Health Service were surveyed. All of the clinics used autoclaves for sterilization. All hand instruments, handpieces and triplex syringes were autoclaved between patients. Chemical disinfection solutions were used in 12 of the 14 dental clinics, mainly for surface decontamination. Five dental clinics had separate storage areas for contaminated waste which compiled with contaminated waste separation and disposal guidelines. The practice of recapping needles with fingers and some inadequate washing facilities are areas that require particular attention.