Assessment of knowledge and practice of cross--Infection control among Nigerian dental technologists

Abstract

To determine the knowledge and current infection control practices among dental laboratory technologists in Nigeria. a cross-sectional descriptive study using self-administered questionnaires distributed through the Dental Technologist Board. 86 questionnaires were returned out of the 200 distributed (response rate=43%). Knowledge of risk of transmission of infections was poor with a remarkable percentage of non-responders. More than half (61.9%) considered HIV infection as the greatest infectious occupational hazard for them while only 25.5% correctly responded that Hepatitis B(HBV) was the greatest risk. Infection control practices were inadequate with 53.5% of them never sterilising their hand instruments and 74.4% treat impressions by rinsing in water while as high as 39.5% never wear gloves while working in the laboratory. Only 21(24.4%) had received HBV vaccination and 38.4% were not aware of the need to be vaccinated. the knowledge and practice of infection control was poor and below acceptable standards. The paper recommended ways by which improvements can be made.