Evaluation of Awareness and Attitude Regarding Infection Control Practices in Dental Prosthesis Laboratories

Abstract

Objective: Transport of blood and saliva-contaminated materials such as impressions and prostheses between clinics and laboratories increases the risk of cross-infection. This study evaluates dental technicians knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about infection control practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire for dental technicians working in Istanbul between July 03, 2021, and January 31, 2022. The questionnaire comprised 38 multiple-choice questions on demographic information, infection control awareness, disinfection practices, personal protective equipment use, and Hepatitis B vaccination. Results: In the research, 256 dental technicians took part, and 73% of them graduated from were graduates of dental lab technician school. The rate of those who received infection control training was 60.2%. 72.3% of the participants were vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 8.6% were not vaccinated due to their immunity. 59.4% of dentists did not inform the laboratories about the sent materials disinfection status. Although 97.3% of the technicians thought there was a risk of infectious disease transmission from impressions and prostheses delivered from dental clinics, they disinfected 88.7% of the alginate impressions and 87.5% of the silicone and polyether impressions. The rate of those who used all the equipment, gloves, masks, and eye protection during disinfection was 31.7%. Medical wastes were separated in 40.6% of the laboratories. 69.9% of technicians thought the infection control procedures were adequate in their laboratories, whereas 20.7% did not. Conclusion: It would be beneficial for dental technicians to receive infection control training to increase their knowledge about disinfection practices and the use of personal protective equipment. We suggest that contaminated materials be transported to laboratories after being disinfected at dental clinics, infection control guidelines for dental prosthesis laboratories should be established, and regular inspections should be conducted to reduce the risk of cross-infection.