Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Dental Assistants regarding Dental Asepsis and Sterilization

Abstract

Background
Dental professionals face significant occupational hazards due to close contact with patients and exposure to microbial and chemical risks. These hazards are exacerbated by insufficient knowledge of infection control protocols and poor adherence to sterilization practices. Dental assistants play a critical role in preventing cross-infections, yet many lack formal certification or training, which can impact their knowledge and compliance with infection control measures.
Methods
This study evaluated the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of dental assistants regarding asepsis and sterilization practices. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to recruit 70 dental assistants. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire based on World Health Organization (WHO) infection control guidelines. The questionnaire included 27 questions, divided into subcategories addressing pre-sterilization practices, sterilization verification, autoclave use, and documentation. Descriptive statistics and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to analyze the data, with a 5% margin of error and a p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
Among the participants, 44.3% were aged 21–29 years, and 85% worked in hospital settings. Only 7.14% had a formal diploma in dental assisting, but 74% had over two years of practice experience. While 91.4% of respondents regularly updated their knowledge about infection control, only 11.4% consistently labeled critical instruments with batch control information before sterilization. Knowledge scores varied significantly by practice type and experience level, with dental assistants in private practices and those with less than two years of experience scoring higher.
Conclusion
This study highlights critical gaps in knowledge and compliance with infection control protocols among dental assistants. It underscores the need for ongoing education and training programs to improve infection control practices, promote safe sterilization techniques, and ensure adherence to waste management protocols. Enhancing training opportunities will not only protect dental personnel but also contribute to creating a safer and healthier environment for both staff and patients.