Awareness And Behavior Of Dental Students Towards Infection Control Measures In Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: A dental operatory is an area for easy and quick transmission of infections. Infections like TB, Hep B, Hep C, HSV and HIV can be readily transmitted among patients and to the operating staff if proper measures are not taken. The aim of the present study was to assess self-perceived knowledge and practices of the dental students and graduates about infection control measures. Method: The study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, comprising of 12 basic questions to judge the knowledge and practices of students in the dental OPDs. A total of 360 dental students and house officers participated voluntarily in the survey. Results: The results showed that there did not exist sufficient knowledge among dental students and fresh dental graduates about infection control measures. Conclusion: There is thus a dire need to fulfill the gap between the ideal practices protocol knowledge and practices that are being followed by the students.