Microbiologic cross-contamination and infection control in intraoral conventional and digital radiology

The microbiologic contamination can occur in all the steps of an intraoral conventional or digital radiographic examination, unless some measures to avoid the cross-infection are applied. Scientific articles have shown that during the radiograph taking procedure, there is contact with the patient’s oral fluids (saliva and blood) and, consequently, the contamination of the film or digital sensor, film-holding devices, operator’s hands and afterwards, the contamination of the surfaces, the X-Rays equipment, the processing environment and its solutions. Also, the literature shows that the existence of infection control protocols is mandatory for dental offices and colleges. The aim of this article is to review how the microbiologic contamination can occur in Dental Radiology practice and to describe more efficient methods to avoid it, in order to get a safe environment for patients, professionals and workers. It is extremely important that the professional be aware and use efficient protection barriers in all steps of an intraoral radiographic examination, whether conventional or digital.