Awareness Regarding Practices Related to Infection Control among Dental Students in Patna City

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cross infection control practice is essential toprotect both the patient and the dentist from blood and salivaborne infectious agents, including hepatitis B, C and HIV bydirect contact with contaminated instruments, fabrics and alsoby aerosols. Study aimed to assess the awareness regardingpractices related to infection control among dental student inPatna city.Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional studywhich was carried out in one of the dental teaching institutionsin Patna City. The subjects comprised of 180 dental students.The study subjects were third year; final year and Internstudents which were selected using convenience samplingtechnique. Their knowledge pertaining to infection controlpractices were assessed using a pretested self administeredquestionnaire. The questionnaire collected information onsocio demographic characteristics, and knowledge regardinginfection control practices. Data were analyzed using SPSSsoftware v20. Frequency distribution analysis and Chi sq testswere performed. p value<0.05 was considered statisticallysignificant.Results: The dental student had adequate knowledgeregarding personal protective measures and cross infectioncontrol but improvement was needed in areas of biomedicalwaste handling and disposal.Conclusion: A dental surgeon must take adequate protectionto prevent spread of harmful disease to self and other patients.Consequently inter-appointment disinfection of clinic surfacesis required to reduce the cross infection hazard.