Knowledge, Attitude, and practices regarding sterilization and infection control in minor oral surgery among undergraduate dental students

Abstract

Background: Infection prevention and control is a fundamental component of safe dental practice, safeguarding both clinicians and patients from cross-contamination and disease transmission. Minor oral surgical procedures pose a higher risk of exposure to blood and aerosols, making strict adherence to sterilization and infection control measures essential. Previous research highlights variable compliance among dental undergraduates, with notable gaps between theoretical understanding and actual clinical practice. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practices related to sterilization and infection control in minor oral surgery among undergraduate dental students at Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2025 using a validated 25-item questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. The survey included demographics (3 items), knowledge (10 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (6 items). A total of 250 students participated. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were applied, with p