Cross-infection control in Malaysian dental practice

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infection Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Cross-infection control is crucial in dentistry to prevent disease transmission.
• Understanding current practices among dental professionals is essential for improving patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the adherence to cross-infection control measures among dentists in Malaysia.
• To identify variations in practices based on demographic and professional factors.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 1371 professionally trained dentists in Malaysia.
• Response rate was 73.1%.
• Data collected on glove use, mask and eyewear use, needle/syringe practices, surface disinfection, and sterilization of instruments.

Main Results:

• 13% of dentists did not routinely wear gloves, while 54% did.
• 83% wore masks and 52% wore eyewear during procedures.
• 93% used sterile needles per patient, but only 40% disinfected working surfaces after each patient.
• Sterilization of handpieces was uncommon compared to hand instruments.
• Over one-third experienced puncture wounds in the preceding month.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations exist in dental infection control practices in Malaysia.
• Inconsistent use of personal protective equipment and inadequate surface disinfection pose risks.
• Further education and policy reinforcement are needed to enhance cross-infection control standards in dental settings.