Infection control awareness level among dental laboratory technicians, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aims and objectives: Infection control is an essential part in dental practices. Potential disease transmission in the dental lab is well documented. Dental technicians should strictly adhere to the standard precautions in order to prevent potential risks of cross-contamination, thereby producing a safe environment for patients and staff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice among dental lab technicians toward infection control protocols at the dental laboratories of Riyadh. Materials and methods: A self-administered questionnaire will be distributed to dental lab technicians working at both private and governmental laboratories in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from one hundred and twenty-one dental laboratory technicians. Results: According to the findings, only 42.9% had an infection control manual display in the dental lab, 43.8% had received infection control training courses as part of their orientation, 40.4% of the technicians had a valid hepatitis B vaccination. Dental technicians are exposed to high risk of injuries, 72.7% of respondents answered Yes, when they were asked about reporting sharp injuries to laboratory administration. Conclusion: There was poor compliance to infection control procedures, dental techniques are at increased risk of cross-contamination and infection, they have limited orientation and knowledge on the infection control guideline and policy.