Management of Dental Waste in Private Clinics in Chhattisgarh State, India – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: Dentistry is a profession dedicated to promoting and enhancing oral health and well-being. To accomplish these goals, dentists use a variety of materials and equipment. Unfortunately, some of the materials that are currently in use like silver amalgam, x-ray films etc. including heavy metals and biomedical waste present potential challenges to the environment. Hence the aim of the present study was to assess the management of dental waste in private clinics of Chhattisgarh state, India. Methods and Material: A selfadministered questionnaire was designed and distributed among 100 practising dentists, who were private practitioners. The survey form was composed of 27 questions framed based on knowledge, attitude and those regarding the practice of dentists in relation to dental health-care waste management. Chi-square test (with Yates correction; wherever applicable) was used for analysing the factors influencing waste management practices. Results: Programs about waste management practices had significant influence on the knowledge of respondents about waste management guidelines (P value = 0.01), on application of colour coding practice for disposal of waste (P value = 0.01) and on disposal of amalgam (P value = 0.01). The knowledge about waste management guidelines has significant influence on application of colour coding practice for disposal of waste (P value < 0.0001).Conclusions: Though most dentists were aware of the hazardous effect of improper disposal of dental waste; majority of them still practiced improper waste disposal. There is need to retrain the practitioners on the importance and new technologies of proper waste disposal.

Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Dentists associated with Institutions and Private Practitioners of North India: A Comparative Study

“…A self-administered questionnaire was used in our study as it allows us to gather large amount of data quickly and economically. Our study had 614 participants, which was higher than those of Arora et al 16 and…”

A cross-sectional survey on the Awareness of Waste Management Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Dental Clinic in Enugu Metropolis

“…A study in India reported that 79% of the respondents disposed of their generated amalgam waste together with general waste, while 13% of them disposed of this waste in other inappropriate ways. 12 In a facility-based study in Iran, it was found that 92% of the facilities disposed of amalgam waste in toilets as well as the sewer system. 22 A study done in Palestine found that over 80% of generated amalgam waste was disposed of into either the clinic garbage or drain.…”

“…In Africa, Asian and middle-east, it has been noted in previous reports that medical waste is poorly sorted, characterized and disposed, further highlighting its pertinence in the health system framework. 11,12,13 In underdeveloped nations, the difficulties in managing the waste from dental facilities are especially apparent. 14,15 Managing dental waste according to accepted norms is much more difficult in developing nations due to limited resources resulting in an increase in health risks and environmental contamination from the improper management, storage, transportation, and disposal of clinical waste.…”

A systematic review to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding biomedical waste management among dental teaching institutions and private practitioners in Asian countries

“…[ 22 ] Amalgam separator use was low among participants of studies conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh. [ 3 19 20 21 ] In some studies, paramedical staffs were also included which showed that there was lacunae in awareness and practice of BMW management among these staff. [ 2 18 , 21 ]…”