Comparison of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Dental Safety from Eight Countries at the Turn of the Century

Abstract

Objective:To compare infection control (IC) knowledge, attitudes and practice of dentists across eight countries.Methods: Self-administered infection control surveys were completed by 1,874 clinicians in eight countries. Practitioner's knowledge, attitudes, and practice of infection control were examined using over 100 variables. Chi-squared statistics (α = 0.05) were used to compare respondents from different national groups. Results:Immunizations rates varied significantly across the eight countries (p < 0.01) with Asian countries having a lower rate of immunization against HBV than the United States practitioners. Perceived risk of acquiring HIV varied significantly across the study groups (p < 0.01); China had the lowest portion (75%). Dentists in the US reported 92% surface barrier use; only 15% in China reported use. Only 58% of practitioners in Pakistan reportedly used disposable exam gloves; 97% of US practitioners regularly use these gloves. For all groups assessed, including the United States, little over 50% of practitioners understood and practiced Universal/Standard (UP/SP) precautions effectively. Conclusion:Analyses from this study suggest that the dental IC knowledge and practice varied widely across the eight countries of interest. Many of the countries were found to have barriers to access IC materials. Results indicate that all eight countries could use improved education standards for universal precautions.Clinical significance: Knowledge, attitudes and practice of dental safety vary in different parts of the world. This study compares the compliance rates in dental safety among countries and pegs them to the level of practice in the United States. This study also provides evidence-based data on the needs in the regions surveyed and could be used to implement remedial educational measures in improving safe practices.

Educational effects using a robot patient simulation system for development of clinical attitude

“…12,13 The knowledge and attitude for infection control had to be required of undergraduate dental students, 14,15 and naturally, dentists must acquire them. 16 In the present study, the consciousness of maintaining a clean area was 1.2 times higher in the second practical clinical trial than in the first practical clinical trial for SIMROID. Moreover, SIMROID was significantly higher (1.7 times) than CLINSIM.…”

“…The recognition of a clean area in medical and dental treatment is a very important conceptual idea and is indispensable because it is not only for the prevention of the spread of infection but also for infection control for patients, dentists and dental co‐workers . The knowledge and attitude for infection control had to be required of undergraduate dental students, and naturally, dentists must acquire them . In the present study, the consciousness of maintaining a clean area was 1.2 times higher in the second practical clinical trial than in the first practical clinical trial for SIMROID.…”

Infection Control Measures in Private Dental Clinics in Lebanon

“…Compliance with effective infection control practices by dental healthcare providers may be affected by several factors such as knowledge and educational background [8, 9], costs and lack of incentives [10], sociodemographic and professional variables [11, 12], and availability of and access to required materials and equipment [13, 14]. Wide variations have been reported between developed and developing countries relative to infection prevention and control [14].…”

“…Wide variations have been reported between developed and developing countries relative to infection prevention and control [14]. While several reports and systematic reviews have been published relative to compliance with infection control practices in dental healthcare of developed and developing countries [8, 10, 11, 13–34], surveys are limited and practically lacking in Lebanon.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on blood-borne diseases among dental health care workers in Georgia

“…Meanwhile, the respondents overestimated the probability of contracting HIV, HCV and HBV after one contaminated needlestick. Inadequate knowledge among DHCWs is a problem reported by most countries suggesting that continuous education is needed for those working in dental care [25].…”