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Factors Affecting Water Quality and Sustainability in Dental Practices in Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Antoniadou

    (Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
    CSAP, Executive Mastering Program in Systemic Management, University of Piraeus, 185 34 Pireas, Greece)

  • Anestis Intzes

    (Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece)

  • Christos Kladouchas

    (Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece)

  • Iliana Christou

    (CSAP, Executive Mastering Program in Systemic Management, University of Piraeus, 185 34 Pireas, Greece
    EYDAP, Athens Water Supply & Sewerage Company S.A., 111 46 Athens, Greece)

  • Stavroula Chatzigeorgiou

    (CSAP, Executive Mastering Program in Systemic Management, University of Piraeus, 185 34 Pireas, Greece
    EYDAP, Athens Water Supply & Sewerage Company S.A., 111 46 Athens, Greece)

  • Martha Plexida

    (CSAP, Executive Mastering Program in Systemic Management, University of Piraeus, 185 34 Pireas, Greece
    EYDAP, Athens Water Supply & Sewerage Company S.A., 111 46 Athens, Greece)

  • Valantis Stefanidakis

    (Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece)

  • Ioannis Tzoutzas

    (Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Good water quality, achieved with environmentally friendly means, is essential in ensuring the safe operation of a dental practice. Our aim was to evaluate procedures and protocols used by dentists for water quality and sustainability. Greek dentists ( n = 206) participated in this questionnaire-based study. Statistically significant results ( p < 0.05) have shown that (a) female dentists were more interested in additional information about water quality (87.5% vs. 71.8%), had water supply directly from the public network to the dental unit (68.8% vs. 73.8%), were more likely to disinfect surfaces between two appointments (97.7% vs. 88.0%) and were more likely to perform annual maintenance to the dental unit (66.3% vs. 57.9%). (b) More experienced dentists were also more likely to clean the waterline network of the unit with a large amount of fluid once a day (39.3–48.3%), had newer equipment, had more handpieces, and spent more time cleaning and disinfecting the unit (χ 2 = 26.21). (c) Dentists who have studied abroad were more likely to perform less strict antiseptic protocols while believing that their practices are environmentally friendly (χ 2 = 10.93). Dentists with some postgraduate education were more likely to have an assistant, know the active substance of the antiseptic, supply antiseptic to the handpieces automatically and maintain the dental unit annually (χ 2 = 7.24). (d) Dentists who practiced general dentistry were less likely to have an assistant and performed less strict protocols while they cleaned suctions with a large amount of fluid less often (χ 2 = 11.64). Dentists who practiced in a clinic (with employees) were more likely to have newer equipment, have an assistant and perform stricter water sustainability protocols. (e) Dentists with a higher annual income were also more likely to have an assistant, perform microbiological tests for the quality of the water of the unit, have a continuous water supply system and perform stricter protocols for water quality of the unit. Overall, less experienced (and younger) dentists are more informed about water quality legislation (27.6%) compared to more experienced and older dentists (13.2–17.5%). Gender, work experience, level of education and dental office characteristics are important factors determining water sustainability, waterlines, and equipment maintenance in dental practice. Dental associations should raise awareness regarding water quality and sustainability, investing in lifelong learning, while implementing protocols and green strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Antoniadou & Anestis Intzes & Christos Kladouchas & Iliana Christou & Stavroula Chatzigeorgiou & Martha Plexida & Valantis Stefanidakis & Ioannis Tzoutzas, 2023. "Factors Affecting Water Quality and Sustainability in Dental Practices in Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-23, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:9115-:d:1164300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jessica Lizzadro & Marta Mazzotta & Luna Girolamini & Ada Dormi & Tiziana Pellati & Sandra Cristino, 2019. "Comparison between Two Types of Dental Unit Waterlines: How Evaluation of Microbiological Contamination Can Support Risk Containment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, January.
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    6. Savina Ditommaso & Monica Giacomuzzi & Elisa Ricciardi & Carla M. Zotti, 2016. "Efficacy of a Low Dose of Hydrogen Peroxide (Peroxy Ag + ) for Continuous Treatment of Dental Unit Water Lines: Challenge Test with Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 in a Simulated Dental Unit Waterl," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-10, July.
    7. Monica Giacomuzzi & Carla M. Zotti & Savina Ditommaso, 2019. "Colonization of Dental Unit Waterlines by Helicobacter pylori : Risk of Exposure in Dental Practices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-7, August.
    8. Laura Dallolio & Amalia Scuderi & Maria S. Rini & Sabrina Valente & Patrizia Farruggia & Maria A. Bucci Sabattini & Gianandrea Pasquinelli & Anna Acacci & Greta Roncarati & Erica Leoni, 2014. "Effect of Different Disinfection Protocols on Microbial and Biofilm Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines in Community Dental Practices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, February.
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