Assessment of microorganism presence on instruments used in the periodontics area of a university pre-professional practice clinic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20453/reh.v35i2.6271

Keywords:

sterilization, periodontics, biological risk containment, associated dental practice

Abstract

Objective: To assess the presence of microorganisms on the surfaces of sterile instruments in the periodontics area of a university pre-professional practice clinic. Materials and methods: A descriptive and observational study, in which 100 randomly selected samples of periodontics instruments were selected. The samples collected were analyzed using cultures on specific media, including blood agar, Sabouraud agar, and eosin methylene blue agar, which enabled the primary identification of four classes of microorganisms: Gram-positive cocci, Gram-positive bacilli, Gram-negative bacilli, and yeasts. Results: Of the instruments analyzed, 19% (n = 19) were contaminated. The highest contamination rate was observed in Gracey 3/4 periodontal curettes, with 30% (n = 12), in which only gram-positive cocci were identified, with no positive results for gram-positive bacilli, gram-negative bacilli, or yeasts. Conclusions: Sterilization was not completely effective in all instruments, as some showed contamination with Gram-positive cocci.

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Author Biographies

María Alejandra Avilez-Abad, Catholic University of Cuenca

María Alejandra Avilez Abad is a graduate of the Dentistry program at the Catholic University of Cuenca. During her academic training, she stood out for her commitment to excellence and her passion for oral health. Throughout her university career, she acquired solid theoretical and practical knowledge in various areas of dentistry, including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

In addition, she participated in community outreach programs, where she provided dental care to vulnerable populations, reinforcing her clinical skills and vocation of service. Her professional approach focuses on providing comprehensive care to her patients, promoting education and prevention as fundamental pillars for optimal oral health.

Jorge Eduardo Cueva-Reategui, Catholic University of Cuenca

Jorge Eduardo Cueva Reategui is an undergraduate student at Universidad Católica de Cuenca, where he is currently in his 8th semester. During his academic training, he has demonstrated commitment, dedication and an outstanding ability to acquire knowledge in his area of study.

She is characterized by her proactive approach to learning and her interest in applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, which has allowed her to develop fundamental skills for her future professional career. His participation in academic activities, research projects and extracurricular programs reflects his constant desire for personal and professional growth.

Jéssica María Sarmiento-Ordóñez, Catholic University of Cuenca

Jéssica María Sarmiento Ordóñez is an outstanding teacher and researcher at the Catholic University of Cuenca, specialized in Microbiology. With a solid academic background and extensive experience in scientific research, she combines her passion for discovery with her commitment to teaching.

In his teaching role, he teaches Microbiology, sharing his deep knowledge with students and fostering in them critical thinking and scientific curiosity. Her teaching style is characterized by clarity, integration of practical examples and promotion of active learning.

Miriam Verónica Lima-Illescas , Catholic University of Cuenca

Miriam Verónica Lima Illescas is an outstanding lecturer and researcher at the Catholic University of Cuenca, specializing in Orthodontics. With a solid academic background and extensive experience in the dental field, she combines her passion for scientific research with her commitment to the training of future oral health professionals.

In his teaching role, he teaches Orthodontics in both undergraduate and graduate programs, providing his students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical foundations with clinical applications. He is recognized for his innovative approach, the clarity of his explanations and his dedication to fostering evidence-based learning.

His work reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and the development of the field of orthodontics, inspiring his students to reach their full potential and to apply their acquired knowledge for the benefit of their patients' health.

Magaly Noemí Jiménez-Romero, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Facultad de Odontología. Cuenca, Ecuador.

         

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Avilez-Abad MA, Cueva-Reategui JE, Sarmiento-Ordóñez JM, Lima-Illescas MV, Jiménez-Romero MN. Assessment of microorganism presence on instruments used in the periodontics area of a university pre-professional practice clinic. Rev Estomatol Herediana [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 30 [cited 2025 Jul. 5];35(2):129-35. Available from: http://44.198.254.164/index.php/REH/article/view/6271

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2025): Abril-junio

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ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2025 María Alejandra Avilez Abad, Jorge Eduardo Cueva Reategui, Jéssica María Sarmiento Ordóñez, Miriam Verónica Lima Illescas , JIMENEZ MAGALY

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