Survey Of The Basic Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Infection Control For Dental Health Care Clinics In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The concern for implementation of infection control procedures in dental clinics is world-wide. Objective: The main objective of this study was to improve the knowledge, modify the attitude and practice of dental health clinics towards infection control procedures in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  Method: A randomized survey involving dental students from Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was evaluated by means of self-reported questionnaires. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of infection control procedures, sterilization, wearing of gloves, mask, use of rubber dam, method of storing instruments and disposal methods of contaminated material. Questionnaire data was entered into a computer and analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Results: From the 150 dental students to whom the questionnaires were submitted. The overall responses to the questionnaire showed that the dentists had moderate level knowledge of infection control procedures. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is  moderate of understanding of the basics of infection control and the prevention of transmission of communicable infectious diseases not only in a large percentage of our dental students, but also in graduate and semi-graduate students who took part in this study.