Monitoring compliance with the rules of antiseptics and decontamination by dental students at work

Abstract

Introduction: Dental personnel are potentially exposed to pathogenic microorganisms, as well as to possible sources of infection. The same is true for dental students, for whom it is crucial to acquire knowledge on infection control and appropriate dental techniques during their training. Aim: The aim of the survey was to evaluate anti-epidemic regimens in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Plovdiv Medical University Faculty of Dental Medicine from December 2021 to July 2022. The sample included 158 students who were monitored for their use of anti-epidemic measures. To check compliance with the rules for prevention and control of infections, a checklist was developed. Results: Most of the observed students were in their fourth year of study (62.7%). Disinfection of hands was not performed by slightly more than half of those observed (51.3%) but 84.8% wore medical gloves during dental treatment of patients. When inviting and seating patients, approximately half of the students (46.8%) put on first their personal protective equipment (PPE) and this inevitably contaminated their gloves. The proportion of students who worked according to the requirements for complete wetting with disinfectant by spraying the work field with the optimal action time of 2 minutes, or until the disinfectant dries on the surface, was statistically significantly low (11.4%, z=13.72, p=0.000). Conclusion: In terms of infection prevention, the behavior of dental students is inadequate. Both dental students and dental practitioners need to increase their level of knowledge and adherence to infection control protocols. Pre- and post-graduation refresher courses should be included in the future infection control curriculum.