Disinfection and sterilization of fixed prosthesis shade guides: A survey of dentists in Senegal

Abstract

Shade guides, the most widely used instruments for color determination, meet mucous membranes and saliva during color measurement, and must therefore be treated. The aim of this study was to examine shade guide disinfection and sterilization techniques used by dentists in Senegal. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The survey was carried out during an international congress organized in Dakar from June 28 to 29, 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to practitioners meeting the selection criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® version 22 software. A total of 125 questionnaires were distributed, with 113 returned. The average age was 39 ± 8 years, and 32.8% of dental surgeons were under 35 years of age. Professional experience of less than 5 years was found in 21.2% of the sample. Alcohol was used by 51.3% of practitioners. Autoclave was used by 46% of dentists under 35 years of age, and poupinel by 5.4% (p=0.008). The use of autoclave sterilization was 52.2% for practitioners with less than 5 years' experience versus 21.3% for those with more than 5 years' experience (p=0.005). Despite the ban on the use of poupinel in some countries and the difficulty of using alcohol in the decontamination and sterilization chain, these two practices are still relatively common in Senegal.