Relationship between Oral Colonization of Candida albicans and Dentistry

Aims: Considering the existence of fungal contamination and the close contact of dentists with the oral cavity of their patients, the question raised here is whether addressing the dental profession can be considered a risk factor for oral candidiasis with Candida albicans? This study aimed at investigating the relationship between dentistry and oral colonization of Candida albicans. Materials & Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 72 individuals in Birjand, Iran in 2016; they were selected by random sampling method and divided into 2 groups: The case group consisted of 35 dentists working in Birjand and the control group consisted of 37 non-medical personnel of Birjand University of Medical sciences. The samples were obtained from rear surface of the tongue and salivary secretions. Individuals with positive culture results were considered Candida albicans oral carriers. The data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software, using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Findings: Although the number of positive culture results in Candida albicans oral carriers (17.1%) was twice more than in control group (8.1%), there was no significant difference between two groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: The dentists are at risk of contamination and oral colonization of Candida albicans not more than what non-medical personnel are