for valuable comments and suggestions. The authors also would like to thank Ms. Asmahan Bedri and Ms. Yasmina Zinbi for help in editing and formatting the paper.

, and many IMF staff for helpful suggestions and help in the collection of data. Andreas Schaab and Yangfan Sun (data and coding) and Helen Hwang (editing) provided excellent assistance.

DISCLAIMER: Staff Discussion Notes (SDNs) showcase policy-related analysis and research being developed by IMF staff members and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in this SDN are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, IMF management, or the European Central Bank.

Purpose Evaluate infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice in Lebanese private dental clinics. Materials and Methods A survey including 46 questions related to routine safety procedures was sent to 1150 Lebanese dentists between July 1st and 2nd, 2015. The study sample was selected from the database of registered dentists based on a proportional random sampling ensuring equitable representation of the 5 geographic regions of Lebanon. A subset of 29 questions was used to generate an overall score of compliance (excellent, good, fair, and poor). Comparisons according to gender, type, region, and years of practice were performed. Results 417 dentists returned the completed questionnaires. 96% expressed concern about infection transmission, 90.6% were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and 61.8% asked routinely about patients medical history. Only 43% used protective eyewear. Although most dentists (65%) used autoclaves, dry heat was still used. Significant correlations were found between gender and use of personal protective equipment. Less compliance was shown by clinicians with fewer years of experience. In the overall compliance questionnaire, the mean percentage of correct answers was roughly 54% with <5% of the practitioners scoring “excellent.” Conclusions. The study found inadequacy of compliance in private Lebanese dental clinics necessitating improved educational training and sustained monitoring by regulatory bodies.

, and many IMF staff for helpful suggestions and help in the collection of data. Andreas Schaab and Yangfan Sun (data and coding) and Helen Hwang (editing) provided excellent assistance.