Effect of infection control training program on dental clinics nurses' knowledge and practices at rural health units

Background: Cross infection in dentistry has successfully gained the international concern and is taking the shape of a global problem. The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization country office, emphasized the importance of paying greater attention to sound infection control measures during dental work practices. Aim: The study was conducted to examine effect of infection control training program on dental clinics nurses' knowledge and practice at rural health units. Design: Quasi experimental design with pre and post-test was used. Setting: It was conducted at 120 out of 175 dental clinics at rural health units of Ministry of health and population in six districts in Menoufia Governorate. Sample: Multistage random sample composed of 120 nurses, who are working in dental clinics' at rural health units of Ministry of health and population from selected six districts in Menoufia Governorate. Tools: Self-administered structured questionnaire included socio demographic data, knowledge of dental nurses as regard to infection control measures, and observational checklist of practice of dental nurses. Results: At pre infection control training program, more than three fourths of dental nurses had good level of knowledge which statistically significant increased to one hundred percent at post infection control training program. Moreover, there was 17.5% of studied nurses had a risky practice and 82.5% had safe practice compared to post infection control training program, there was statistically significant decreased in risky practice to 4.2% and improved safe practice to 95.8%. Conclusion: Infection control training had a profound effecton the knowledge, and practice of dental nurses about infection control measures. Recommendation: The need for ongoing infection control training programs for dental nurses are critical for ensuring that infection prevention measures are implicated and followed.