Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 8

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Parthkumar K Thakkar
parthth11@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV might be transmitted from one individual to another during dental procedures. Therefore, sterilization and personal protection procedures are of utmost significance in dental offices. The importance of awareness of cross-infection and antiseptic principles lies in the fact that in most cases it is not possible to identify patients with hepatitis or AIDS.  Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate awareness of infection control procedures among paradental staff of College of Dental Sciences, Davangere. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 82 paradental staff members working in different departments of College of Dental Sciences, Davangere were included. Data was collected by means of a selfadministered questionnaire, which included respondents’ personal profile except name to make survey anonymous and questions on infection control, sterilization and waste management methods. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the level of knowledge and attitude of paradental staff members regarding infection control.  Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that in some cases paradental staff neglect the principles for personal protection and cross-infection control. Therefore, our society is subject to widespread infection in dental offices and clinics. This potential risk necessitates careful monitoring along with government support of treatment procedures, the inclusion of infection control costs into treatment expenses and an emphasis on continuing education about infection control procedures through seminars and congresses.

Keywords: Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Infection Control, Cross sectional Study.