Evaluation of Sterilization and Infection Control in Dental Clinical Practice-A Cross Sectional Study Kumar Dinesh1,*, Rekha M2 1Professor & HOD, Department of Dentistry, Sree Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry 2Professor, Sri Venkateswara Dental College, Puducherry-2 *Correspondence Address: Dr T Dinesh Kumar MDS DFO., No. 18, Chandrasekarapuram, Salai Road, Trichy-620018, Mobile No. 9842466528, 9840247449, E Mail: dr_dineshmds2007@yahoo.co.in, dr_mrekha@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 31 August, 2017. Abstract Aim The aim and objective of this study is to determine the practice of sterilization and infection control among dentists practicing in private dental clinics. Materials and Method The study was a cross sectional study conducted in 96 dental clinics owned or run by qualified dentists in Tiruchirapalli city. A self administered close ended questionnaire on modes of sterilization and infection control was administered to the dental practitioners. Data obtained from the dentists were tabulated and analyzed. Results Out of the 100 dental clinics included in the study, the questionnaire was completed by 96 practitioners, comprising 52 males and 44 females. The most common method used for sterilization of instruments is autoclave (81.2%) followed by dry heat or boiling. Dental instruments and hand pieces are many times recirculated between patients (33.3%). Regarding use of basic barrier techniques, all the dentists wore gloves (100%) and masks (100%). Use of head caps, eye protection or face shield is remotely used (88.5–97.9%). Disinfection of dental clinic or the dental chairs were not practiced on a regular basis in most of the clinics (0.07% done). Majority of the dentists were vaccinated against hepatitis B (77%) whereas the dental assistants were not (87.5%). But disposal of sharps and disposal of clinical waste was by regular means in many clinics and waste disposal protocols or color coded bins were not used and specific medical agencies that deal with waste disposal were not used by many (30.2%). Conclusion Results of the present study indicate that infection control measures taken in dental clinics are inadequate and not satisfactory. Therefore it is extremely important to educate, create awareness and update private dental practitioners on the importance of infection control measures to prevent cross infection and to improve dental safety. Top Keywords Dentists, sterilization, Infection control, cross infection. Top |