Handling of impressions that are not disinfected can cause a dangerous cycle of cross-contamination involving dentists, laboratory technicians, patients and auxiliary personnel. Objectives: To determine, if personnel in the dental laboratory disinfect properly impressions prior to their handling. METHODS: A retrospective cross sectional survey was conducted at the dental laboratory of Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Impressions received at the dental laboratory over the past year [may 2004 to may 2005] were recorded in a register at the dental laboratory. By means of a questionnaire the personnel were asked about existence of policy, type of disinfectant used, when it is used, how it is used, who's responsibility is it to ensure that impressions are disinfected prior to handling, are they aware of the importance of disinfecting impressions prior to handling and which of the impressions they handled over the past year were disinfected. Personnel at the dental unit included dental technicians (4) and auxiliaries (2). Data collected was analyzed using EPI Info 6. RESULTS: Disinfection of impressions as reported by laboratory personnel has never been done and no method has ever been suggested or in use. Of the 1,453 impressions received at the dental unit, none were disinfected prior to their handling. Laboratory personnel are aware of the importance of handling impressions that have been disinfected, but to date there is no policy to ensure impressions are disinfected prior to their handling. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of cross contamination is very high and there is an urgent need to introduce a policy on disinfection of impressions prior to handling by laboratory personnel. It is recommended that an easy and user-friendly disinfectant be introduced to the dental fraternity so as to minimize the risk of cross infection.