Surface Microbiome Profiling of Dental Elevators Using Third‐Generation Sequencing: Implications for Infection Control in Dental Practice

This study aimed to characterize the biofilm-forming microbial communities on clinically used dental elevators to assess their potential risks of cross-contamination and nosocomial infections resulting from percutaneous injuries in dental healthcare settings. Over a period of 3 consecutive weeks starting on August 1, 2024, biofilm samples were collected from the tips of 15 dental elevators used on the first five wisdom teeth extraction patients daily. Total DNA was extracted, and specific barcoded primers were synthesized to construct SMRTbell sequencing libraries, which were subsequently sequenced using the PacBio Sequel II platform. The sequencing generated 923,990 circular consensus sequences (CCS), with an average of 61,599 CCS per sample. Taxonomic annotation revealed a diverse microbial community dominated by genera such as Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus, alongside unclassified taxa from the Candidatus Saccharibacteria (TM7) group. Alpha and beta diversity analyses demonstrated significant variations in microbial composition across samples, highlighting the heterogeneity of biofilm formation, while strong positive correlations observed between specific bacterial genera, such as Bacillus and Paenibacillus, suggested potential co-colonization patterns. These findings underscore the complexity of microbial contamination on dental instruments and emphasize the need for improved sterilization protocols to mitigate infection risks. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the microbiological safety of dental practices and highlights the utility of third-generation sequencing in advancing infection control strategies.