ATP quantification and health professionals knowledge and performance indicators assessment regarding hand hygiene procedures in dental clinics

In epidemiological terms, it is widely established that the transmission of microorganisms through the hands of professionals and patients is an inevitable reality that will correspond to the existence of infections outbreak considered undesirable consequences health care system. According to General Health Direction, the adhesion to hand hygiene procedures continues to be undervalued, rarely exceeding 50%. The overall Portuguese rate concerning adhesion to hand hygiene procedures can be observed in the assessment diagnostic of the phase “the National Hand Hygiene Campaign” (in 2009), represented 46.2% (General Health Direction, 2010).