ASSESSMENT OF STERILIZATION STANDARDS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DENTAL SETTINGS OF PESHAWAR – A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Objective:
 To assess the sterilization standards of the dental setups both in public and private settings of Peshawar.
 Materials and Methods:
 This Cross Sectional Study was started from Nov 2017 to Apr 2018 in Khyber College of Dentistry, Sardar Begum Dental College Peshawar, Rehman Dental College Peshawar and Private Clinics in Board Bazar and University Town Peshawar which were included in the study through Convenient Sampling technique. Total 100 professionals were interviewed; 50 from public and private. A semi-structured questionnaire was used with open and close ended questions. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel.
 Results:
 Of the 100 total professionals, dental surgeons, house officers, TMOs, Specialists and technicians were interviewed. All the private settings were using autoclave method of sterilization i.e 50 while the public sector was 46. Immediate sterilization of instruments after use public : private 27 : 33. Disinfection of operatory surfaces in between patients: public : private 33 : 25. Presence of destruction boxes for syringe disposal: public : private 13 : 44. Both these settings were almost identical in sterilization practices except use of destruction box.
 Conclusion:
 Sterilization practices needs to be improved both in public and private settings. Dental personnel need to be given proper training on regular interval.