Cross Infection control among dental students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Abdur Rahman Aidh Alharbi; Shahzad Ali Shah; Abdullah Nasser Alkhalifah

Volume : VIII, Issue : I, January - 2019

Cross Infection control among dental students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Abdur Rahman Aidh Alharbi, Shahzad Ali Shah, Abdullah Nasser Alkhalifah

Abstract :

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and practices regarding infection control procedures among 3rd, 4th and 5th–year undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire–based cross–sectional survey was conducted among 3rd, 4th and 5th–year dental students at Dental College, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The self–administered questionnaire was comprised of 13 open– and close ended items regarding barrier techniques, vaccination status, infection control practices, and awareness. Results: The response rate was 61% (102 out of 168 potential respondents). Overall, 95.1% of the students had been vaccinated for hepatitis B and only 10.7% were taking post–hepatitis B virus immunization serology. While the vast majority (98%) reported always changing gloves between patients, (62%) of the student reported that they wash their hand between each glove change. Walking around without removing gloves and mask found only in (8.8%) of the student. (85.2%) of the student reported that they change gowns if visibly contaminated. Finally only (28.4%) of the student has the desire to treat patient with infectious diseases. Conclusions: These findings highlight the necessity of continued infection control education in order to improve knowledge and practices regarding infection control among dental students at Qassim University