Introduction
HIV, Hepatitis A, healthcare-associated infections, acrylic denture
HEAT, DNA DAMAGE
Dentistry is one of the healthcare professions with the highest potential for contamination with patients’ fluids and for transmitting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)Dental patients and healthcare workers are typically at risk of acquiring infectious pathogens due to exchanging objects and materials between the dental clinic and laboratory, including the SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C virusesWhile sterilization by heat, wet or dry, is the gold standard, chemical sterilization is sometimes needed in dental settings for the decontamination of heat- or moisture-sensitive instruments or equipment that cannot withstand autoclavingComplete immersion of hydrocolloid and polyether impressions in a disinfectant solution provides better exposure but may also induce dimensional changes owing to imbibition, hence, inducing dimensional inaccuraciesFurthermore, UV rays have long been known as efficient bactericidal properties due to their potential to cause DNA damage and cessation of bacterial reproductionUV hoods devices are considered the gold standard method for disinfection in microbiology laboratoriesThis research paper aims to test the UV light’s disinfection efficacy of four dental-related objects, silicone putty impressions, stone casts, acrylic denture bases, and indelible pencils compared to the current practice of spraying a disincentive solution.