survey on cross infection hazards associated with dental impression recording

ABSTRACT

Infection control ideology, disinfection/ sterilization protocols and cross infection control has been a baseline requirement for every invasive procedure. Dental Impression recording a pre-requisite for all dental procedures could be a source of cross infection if the protocols are not known, understood, accepted or followed. Aim of this study was thus to assess through a questionnaire the base line knowledge of dental students and dental graduates regarding infection control measurements associated with dental impression recording. A total of 78 House surgeons and Final Year students who consented were included in the study. The filled a valid questionnaire identifying the Dental Impression recording related cross infection issues. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical evaluation. It was inferred that 66.7% of study group felt that metallic impression trays and another 13% felt that disposable impression trays should be used to prevent cross contamination. It was an important finding that 93.6% of study group was aware of appropriate need of disposal of disposable impression trays however method of disposal were different. 100% study group was sending the impression out after washing or disinfecting them which were an incredible finding, however they should be encouraged for disinfection of impression. It was thus inferred from the results that though students and graduate are well aware of infection control procedures and are following them however structured infection control standards teaching can improve standard further