Infection control in dentistry

Infection control in dentistry is never a topic with a limit. Every member of the Healthcare Professional/ dental team has a duty to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent cross infection to protect both their patients and themselves. It is then necessary to strike a balance between cumbersome 'perfect' procedures and a reasonable approach, which is practical while minimizing the hazards to a point, where they present a negligible risk. All dental and medical staff should be trained thoroughly and should understand the policies adopted in the practice for the prevention of cross infection. There is a need of implementing all the available knowledge in regard to infection control in dental practice to safeguard both the doctor and patient. An update of new methodologies in infection control should be acquired and practiced. It is important to change the knowledge, attitude, practice and behaviour of the dental student studying, the practicing dentist and more importantly the individuals involved in framing the guidelines.