Method: Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of hygienists listed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (n=500), using Dillman's method with three follow-up attempts. SPSS-PC+ was used for data analysis. Response rate was 68%.
Results:
| RICP | Compliance (%): |
| Hand Hygiene Practices (HHP-pre & post-treatment) | 81% |
| Barriers: | |
| Gloves: | 100% |
| Masks: | 96% |
| Protective Eyewear: | 79% |
| Protective Uniform: | 82% |
| HBV Immunization: | 97% |
| Additional Precautions For HIV Patients: | 56% |
| Combinations of RICPs | Compliance (%): |
| Barriers | 74% |
| Barriers, HHP | 54% |
| Barriers, HHP, HBV immunization (+serology) | 45% |
| Barriers, HHP, HBV immunization, appropriate heat-sterilization | 33% |
| Barriers, HHP, HBV immunization, appropriate heat-sterilization, safe handling of sharps | 27% |
| Barriers, HHP, HBV immunization, appropriate heat-sterilization, safe handling of sharps, infection control manual | 19% |
| Barriers, HHP, HBV immunization, appropriate heat-sterilization, safe handling of sharps, infection control manual, post-exposure protocol | 14% |
Conclusion: Although rates of gloves and masks use were >95%, many hygienists appear non-compliant with Standard Precautions. Interventions are required to improve compliance with RICPs and reduce cross infection within the dental office. Funding was received from London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute.