Knowledge, attitude and practice survey on cross infection control among dental practitioners in Chennai- A cross sectional survey

Background: Dental procedures have a potential risk of cross infection- that is, the transmission of disease from patient to patient, patient to clinicians through direct contact or to even transporting laboratory personnel through indirect contact. As clinicians, we must not only prioritize health of our patients and ourselves but also should consider the assistants, technicians and helpers who work with us. Therefore thorough knowledge of sterilization and disinfection is extremely essential for all the clinical practitioners. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Cross infection control among dental practitioners in Chennai. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out in Chennai in the month of August, 2016. The questionnaires were handed out to 350 dental practitioners, out of which 346 forms were filled completely and submitted. Data collection was done. Results: 346 surveys were completed by specialists (21%) and general dentists (78.9%). Fifty-five percent of respondents were male. Out of the all the dentists who participated in the survey, 52.3% of the general practitioners and 80.9% of the specialists had a satisfactory knowledge on cross infection and its measures of control. Conclusion: The KAP of the dental practitioners in Chennai during this cross sectional survey, towards cross infection was satisfactory. Even though most followed the Universal Protocols of Sterilization, most of the practitioners, especially the general dentists didn’t know much about cleaning and that it also plays a major role in infection control along with sterilization and disinfection. Continuing dental education programs on all these 3 aspects of infection control would help to improvise the knowledge of dentists.