Dentists asked to adopt latest sterilisation methods

Bangalore, June 1 (UNI) Reeling out alarming statistics that not even five per cent of dental surgeons were using proper methods to sterilise dental equipment, a noted surgeon today stressed the need for sensitising those of his ilk on the issue to eliminate the dangers of exposing patients to the dreaded HIV or Hepatitis virus.

Speaking to UNI on the eve of Expodent 2006, an international exhibition showcasing the latest technology in the industry, Dr B Subhaschandra Shetty said dental surgeons should adopt high standards in sterilisation of equipment and mainly use disposable material. Despite availability of latest equipment, dentists were not extensively using it, he lamented.

Calling for a suitable legislation to make dental surgeons fall in line, Dr Shetty, also the Chairman of the Expodent Organising Committee, said ''There is no clear cut rule regarding the benchmark to be adhered to by dental surgeons. The Union Government is indifferent and seems to have not even given a thought in this regard. The doctors too are not educated to the desired level.'' Earlier, talking to reporters, Association of Dental Industry and Trade of India President Vinod Baval said the exhibition would showcase the latest global technology in dental, clinical laboratory, disposable material and methodology.

More than 20 international companies and a number of dental surgical equipment manufacturers in the country would take part in the three-day event, to be held here from tomorrow. There would also be live demonstrations on the use of latest technology, he added.

UNI RS RG-GD RKN1547