437 - Assessment of Bacterial Presence In Reusable Dental Materials

Abstract: Banning G, Kim C, Wilkerson C, Williams S, Karl K, Sullivan V
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Assessment of Bacterial Presence in Reusable Dental Materials

Background: Dental offices and clinics utilize a variety of dental materials that are delivered
in reusable containers and dispensers. However, many of these materials, including
NeoPutty, BC Putty, Flowable, and Diapex, may be subject to bacterial contamination and
microbial exposures from the surrounding dental office environment.

Objectives: The aim
of this study was to quantify and identify microbial contamination, specifically in regard to
these reusable dental materials.

Methods: Surfaces of new and used reusable and resealable
tubes where the material dispenses and the interior surfaces of the cap were swabbed and
cultured. DNA was isolated from each sample and quantitative polymerase chain reaction
(qPCR) was performed to determine the presence or absence of microbial contamination,
as well as the relative abundance.

Results: Microbial contamination was observed among
all of the “in use” samples from both the dispensing end and the interior surfaces of
the cap and was strongly associated with the amount of usage.

Conclusions: These data suggest that environmental contamination may be present in measurable
and quantifiable amounts on reusable and resealable dental materials, which suggest the need to
create protocols for sanitizing the surfaces of reusable materials to reduce the presence of microbial
contamination identified in similar clinical settings.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by UNLV School of Dental Medicine. No grant was necessary.