Ultrasonic Dental Prosthesis Cleaner for Reducing Candida Albicans on Acrylic Plates

Candida albicans is a microorganism commonly found in the oral cavity, with a prevalence of 45–65%. The use of dentures can increase this prevalence as it reduces the flow of oxygen and saliva, making the maintenance of denture hygiene essential. Ultrasonic-based denture sterilization has the potential to improve cleanliness, reduce the risk of infection, and support overall oral health. This study aims to develop an ultrasonic dental prosthesis cleaner model to reduce the number of Candida albicans on acrylic plates. The method used was Research and Development (R&D) with five stages, employing a Post-Test Only Control Group Design. A total of 24 samples were selected based on inclusion criteria using the Federer formula. Data were analyzed using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient, Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, One-Way ANOVA, Post-Hoc LSD, and Pearson tests. Expert validation showed an Aiken’s V value of 0.857 (valid) and a p-value of 0.000, indicating that the model is feasible for use. The One-Way ANOVA result of 0.000 indicated a significant difference in the number of Candida albicans between groups. The Post-Hoc LSD result of 0.000 showed a significant difference between the treatment and control groups. The Pearson correlation result of 0.002 indicated a significant relationship between sterilization duration and the number of fungal colonies. The results showed an average reduction in fungal count of 73%, 84%, and 97% after ultrasonic use for 10, 20, and 30 minutes, respectively. The 30 minute duration was proven to be the most effective. The ultrasonic-based dental prosthesis cleaner model with a 30 minute cycle is effective in reducing Candida albicans on acrylic plates, making it a potential innovation in denture hygiene maintenance.