Abstracts from Poster Presentations at the Scottish Dental Practice-Based Research Network's Symposium held in Edinburgh in November 2001

Symposium Reports

Abstract of poster presentations

A survey of the use and decontamination of matrix bands

A H Lowe*1, J Bagg2, FJT Burke3, D MacKenzie2 & S McHugh4

Matrices are widely used during restorative procedures in dental practice. Currently there is no consensus regarding their cleaning and whether they should be considered as disposable or reusable systems.

The aims of this survey were to demonstrate which matrix systems are commonly used in Scotland, to indicate the degree of reuse of matrix bands, and to determine, by laboratory investigation, whether currently accepted methods of cleaning are effective in decontamination of assembled matrix bands and retainers within general dental practice.

Data were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire completed by a sample of Scottish General Dental Practitioners, covering infection control methods, matrix system preference and issues relating to the reuse of matrix bands.

The Kastle-Meyer test was used to detect residual blood contamination on cleaned matrix bands and retainers. 479 (77%) questionnaires were returned. 59% of respondents used ultrasonic baths to clean instruments prior to sterilisation. 96% used the Siqveland matrix system with 7% changing bands after each patient. The main factors influencing reuse of bands were time (52%) and cost (39%).

Samples were obtained from 133 Siqveland matrix bands and holders. Of those cleaned using an ultrasonic bath, 4 bands and 2 retainers gave positive results compared with 24 bands and 23 retainers in the hand-scrubbed group, (p=0.000).

In Scotland the majority of dentist use the Siqveland matrix system with 93% reusing bands. Currently accepted cleaning methods are ineffective in the removal of residual blood contamination of assembled Siqveland matrix bands and holders. This investigation has demonstrated higher levels of residual blood contamination on hand-scrubbed Siqveland matrices compared with those cleaned using an ultrasonic bath, and may therefore support the development of guidelines for the reprocessing of used matrix bands or the introduction of single-use systems.

1. General Dental Practitioner, Glasgow
2. Infection Research Group Glasgow Dental hospital & School
3. University of Birmingham Dental School
4. Dental School and Department of Statistics, University of Glasgow.

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