Availability and Content of Dental Manufacturers’ Decontamination Information

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the availability and content of manufacturers' decontamination information for dental instruments and sundries for compliance with BS EN ISO 17664 (Sterilization of medical devices - information to be provided by the manufacturer for the processing of resterilizable medical devices). Methods: As part of the Scottish Dental Hospitals / Health Protection Scotland's Joint Dental Decontamination Working Group's remit to facilitate the dental hospitals meeting the required decontamination technical requirements, a list was prepared of all instruments and sundries currently undergoing decontamination in the three Scottish dental hospitals A total of 800 different items from 54 suppliers were identified. Suppliers were contacted by letter and asked to provide details on cleaning (the use of thermal washer disinfectors, restrictions on chemicals, the use of ultrasonic cleaners) and sterilisation (the type and conditions). Results: Replies were received from 19 manufacturers / suppliers (35%) covering 290 different instruments and sundries (36%). Of the 290 replies, 157 (54%) required follow-up. The main reasons for follow-up were: lack of information on cleaning (eg use washer disinfector manufacturers' recommended chemicals) and inappropriate sterilisation cycles. Conclusion: Dental Manufacturers need to be made aware of their obligations to provide appropriate decontamination information.