Knowledge and attitude about infection control in dental practice among dental undergraduate students in Davangere city: A cross sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Dental clinic is an environment which poses potential risk for disease transmission both for dentists and their patients. Hence a study was planned to assess knowledge and attitude of undergraduate dental students in Davangere city about infection control in dental practice.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 undergraduate dental students in Davangere city. A 21-item prevalidated structured close ended questionnaire was administered to the participants. Data was analyzed using chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Out of 258 participants, 62% were females and belonged to third year (54%). Majority of them had good knowledge (>90%) about infection control in dental practice and more than 90% believed that dentists had a risk of acquiring HIV and Hepatitis infection and felt hepatitis vaccination was mandatory. More than 80% of them used gloves, face masks, head cap and gown, washed hands before and after examining patient and were willing to implement and follow the infection control procedures in clinical practice. However, majority did not wear eye protective glasses (>80%) and 90% had experienced non-sterile occupational percutaneous injury which was a cause of concern.Conclusion: The knowledge of dental undergraduate students about infection control measures in dental practice was good. However, many reported non-sterile occupational injuries during clinical practice.