Abstract

The water and air around the dental units are constantly exposed to contamination caused by biofilm growth in water ducts of units and dental services and staff and patients are exposed to potential diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relation of bacteriological water and air quality in dentistry center. This study is a cross-sectional. Based on a standard method, 72 water samples were recruited and examined and air sampling of selected areas (72 samples) was carried out using passive method. Water and air bacteriological qualities were determined using (Heterotrophic plate count) HPC testing and identifying and counting of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa carried out according to protocol. Results were analyzed using SPSS 16, independent t-tests, correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and LSD. Bacteriological quality of 90.3 of water samples were over-recommended, 33.3 of air samples were over-acceptable and were assessed as unfavorable condition. The correlation between bacterial infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (r=0.20) and S. aureus (r=0.34) was weak and not significant in air and water, but there was a moderate and significant correlation between the amounts of HPC (r=0.69) in air and water. This study shows that bacterial contamination of water in different unit parts output exceeds the standard and has direct relation with microbial contamination of the air of dental parts and accordingly the safety of staff and patients is exposed to risk; Thereby reducing the contamination burden through appropriate and consistent control measures on the quality of consumed water and air of dental parts according to necessary health guidelines.