Biology and Medicine

Abstrait

Assessment and Perception of Infection Control Practices of Dental Health Care Providers Working in Tertiary Care Hospital Settings

Shamima Abdullah, Ali Tahir, Ayesha Bashir, Muhammad Junaid Hashmi, Hafiz Muhammad Owais Naseem

Background/objectives: The current study was undertaken to examine the current status of dental hygiene practices of DHCWs in public sector tertiary care facilities and to generate information helpful for the implementers to improve infection control practices in healthcare facilities.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in NID (Nishter Institute of Dentistry) and MMDC (Multan Medical and Dental College) in Multan to assess the infection control practices of Dental Health care providers. DHCW were interviewed randomly to assess the infection control practices they followed.

Results: The perception pattern of the participating healthcare professional. More than 92% of the doctors agreed to the fact that personal protective equipment act as a barrier against infections. Majority of doctors (97.6%) agreed that dental hospital can be a source of transmission of HBV, HCV, TB and HIV. Most of the doctors agreed that special precautionary measures such as double gloves, masks, special gowns and double sterilized instruments should be taken while treating HBV, HCV and HIV patients.

Conclusion: Infection control practices, majority of the dentists used PPEs such as gloves and facial masks. There is a need for more training programs and continuous surveillance audits for the proper utilization of equipment.