Infection control awareness and compliance among dental students and dentists in India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: A major cause of death and morbidity linked with clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, healthcare associated infections (HAI) are a global health problem. In the context of patient safety, HAI is a crucial component of iatrogenic hazards. Dental professionals around the world are especially concerned about the spread of infection between patients and healthcare personnel in healthcare settings. Exposure to blood borne, aerogenic, and droplet associated microorganisms produced during clinical procedures can result in infections in dental practice. Direct contact with blood or fluids can result in transmission. Additionally, the possible transmission may be caused by inhaling aerosols containing oral fluids, droplet spatter, or indirect contact with infected equipment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among dental students and dentists across Karnataka state in India. Convenience sampling technique was used and a minimum of 100 participants were required for this study. Totally 113 participants were enrolled in this study.

Results: Majority of the participants 62 (54.9%) were in the age group between 25 and 30 years. Based on gender the majority 71 (62.8%) were males and 42 (37.2%) were females. The majority of dentists, 112 (99.1%) believed that ineffective sterilization during clinical practice can transmit infection from one patient to another.112 (99.1%) dentists believed that apart from instrument sterilization, disinfection of dental chair, clinic, dental office is required.

Conclusions: Dentists have to be regularly updated regarding latest measures for infection control and adoption of latest technologies and techniques.