How to Decrease Microbial Contamination in Dentistry

Dental offices are environments where germs can easily spread, largely due to procedures that create aerosols—tiny droplets containing bacteria and viruses. These aerosols can remain in the air and settle on surfaces, increasing the risk of infection for both patients and staff. Managing these contaminants is a constant challenge for dental professionals aiming to maintain a safe environment.

A recent study explored the use of Far-UVC in dental offices, specifically focusing on spittoons. Far-UVC has shown promise for reducing microbial contamination as it effectively kills bacteria and viruses while being safe for use in occupied spaces.

The study’s findings were highly encouraging, demonstrating that Far-UVC could significantly reduce bacterial counts in spittoons. This suggests that Far-UVC light could be a valuable addition to dental offices, helping create a cleaner, safer space for everyone.

Understanding the Problem: Microbial Contamination in Dentistry

Dental offices are hotspots for microbial contamination because of the nature of dental procedures. Drills, water sprays, and air jets often produce aerosols that can spread bacteria and viruses from a patient’s blood and saliva throughout the clinic.

Traditional cleaning methods, like wiping down surfaces and using disinfectants, might not reach all contaminated areas, especially not in the spittoon which is often only rinsed with running water between patients. Therefore, there is a risk that pathogenic microorganisms spread between patients or from patients to staff.

These challenges underscore the need for advanced decontamination solutions, with Far-UVC emerging as a promising option.

90% reduction in bacterial levels on spittoons

In a recent study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of Far-UVC lamps in dental settings, with a particular focus on spittoons. The goal was to determine how well Far-UVC could reduce microbial contamination. Bacterial counts were measured both before and after exposing the spittoons to Far-UVC.

The results showed that Far-UVC light reduced bacterial levels by up to 90%—a substantial improvement. This study indicates that Far-UVC could serve as an effective method for decontaminating dental offices and improving hygiene standards.

UV222 Lamp installed in a dentist's office, in Sweden

Unlike traditional UVC, Far-UVC operates at a wavelength of 222 nm, which is safe for use around people. These findings suggest that Far-UVC could be a practical, continuous decontamination solution for dental offices.

Benefits of Using Far-UVC for Decreasing Microbial Contamination

Far-UVC offers several significant advantages for reducing microbial contamination in dental practices:

• Effective Against Pathogens: Far-UVC kills bacteria and viruses, helping maintain a cleaner environment. This can reduce the risk of pathogen spread.
• Safe for Occupied Spaces: Unlike traditional UVC, which can damage skin and eyes, Far-UVC at 222 nm is safe for humans when applied within regulatory limits. It does not penetrate the skin’s outer dead cell layer or the tear layer in the eyes, allowing it to be used continuously in occupied rooms.
• Continuous Decontamination: Far-UVC provides ongoing decontamination by continuously inactivating bacteria and viruses, reducing the likelihood of infections spreading. This non-intrusive solution does not interfere with daily operations in the office.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed above targeted areas, such as a spittoon, Far-UVC lamps operate automatically. This allows dental staff to focus on patient care.

Conclusion

Far-UVC is a powerful tool for reducing microbial contamination in dental offices. Its ability to inactivate bacteria and viruses safely in occupied spaces makes it an attractive solution for maintaining a cleaner environment. The recent study on its application in dental settings supports its use as an effective decontamination method.

By implementing Far-UVC, dental practices can create a safer space for patients and staff, lowering the risk of pathogen transmission and boosting patient confidence.

Contact UV Medico today if you want to learn more about how Far-UVC can benefit your dental practice. Our team of experts can guide you through implementing this technology and help ensure your office is as safe and hygienic as possible.