DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2024.v11i02.002

Pages: 15-19

Background: Infection control in dentistry is critical to prevent cross-contamination. Rubber dam isolation has been proposed as an effective barrier technique; however, its quantitative impact on microbial contamination requires further evaluation. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing restorative dental procedures. Patients were divided into two groups: procedures performed with rubber dam isolation (Group A, n=30) and without rubber dam (Group B, n=30). Airborne bacterial contamination was assessed using colony-forming units (CFU/m³) collected at standardized distances. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and chi-square test. Results: Group A demonstrated significantly lower mean CFU counts (48.6 ± 12.4 CFU/m³) compared to Group B (132.8 ± 28.7 CFU/m³) (p<0.001). Surface contamination and operator exposure were also significantly reduced in the rubber dam group. Conclusion: Rubber dam isolation significantly reduces microbial contamination in dental procedures, supporting its role as an essential infection control measure.