Awareness Level of Cross-Contamination Control & Practice among Dental Laboratory Technicians in Aljabal Alakhdar Region, Libya

Abstract

Aim & objectives: In dental offices, infection prevention is crucial. There is ample evidence of possible disease transmission in the dentistry lab. Dental technicians should properly follow the recommended safety measures to reduce the danger of cross-contamination and create a secure environment for both patients and employees. The purpose of this study was to assess dental lab technicians' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about infection control procedures in the dental labs in the Aljabal Alakhdar region of Libya. Setting & design: Dental technicians were surveyed using a self-assessment questionnaire to determine their level of familiarity with and proficiency with infection control procedures in dental labs. Materials and methods: In the Aljabal Alakhdar region of Libya, 21 dental laboratory technicians who worked for both private and public laboratories were given a self-administered questionnaire containing a number of questions about their knowledge of infection control practices. Data was gathered and examined. Results: The response showed that 57.2% of dental technicians receive 30–50 or more than 50 impressions in a week. About 80.9% of the technicians used a plastic bag to carry impressions. Forty-two percent of the dental technicians were aware of infection control protocol. Seventy-six percent of the technicians received impressions while wearing gloves and 90.4% of the dental laboratories had a separate receiving area. Nearly 57.1% of the technicians communicate with the doctor regarding the disinfection of impression received in the laboratory. Almost 23.9% of the dental technicians disinfect all the impressions and 90.4% technicians use immersion for disinfection of impressions. Only 28.5% responded that they immerse impressions for 10 min for disinfection. About 71.5% use gloves, 66.6% use mouth masks, 80.9% wear eye shields, and 38% wear aprons while working. Nearly 80.9% of the technicians received vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Almost 90.4% of the technicians change pumice slurry after regular intervals, and 76,1% do not add any disinfectant. Nearly 61.9% of technicians disinfect the prostheses before sending it to the clinic, and 90.4% disinfect them by immersion technique. About disposal of waste, 90.4% said that they dispose the waste properly. Conclusion: Different levels of knowledge, attitude, and infection control practice were shown by the responders. Dental treatments are more susceptible to infection and cross-contamination than other medical procedures, and infection control guidelines and policies are poorly understood and poorly followed. To avoid the spread of infection and to raise the degree of safety during oral health treatment, educational interventions must be made to boost the awareness and understanding of dental technicians.

Key words: Cross-contamination, dental laboratories, dental technicians, disinfection, infection control .