Evaluation of practice of cross infection control for dental impressions among laboratory technicians and prosthodontists in KSA

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the current practice of cross infection control of dental impressions in governmental and private dental labs and prosthodontic clinics of MoH, Al-Qassim, KSA, evaluating how dentists are communicating with lab personnel about impression disinfection and detecting awareness about infection control practices in dental laboratories. This study was a cross-sectional study using self-administered anonymous questionnaires. The sample included 50 dental technicians and 55 dentists in two cities. Technicians and prosthodontists were subjected to questionnaires consisting of 25 and 13 questions, respectively. Forty six questionnaires were completed for technicians and 48 for prosthodontists. More than 60.00% of technicians knew that impressions have been disinfected and 56.25% of dentists notified technicians that impressions have already been disinfected. About 64.00% of technicians had an agreed protocol between lab and clinic, and 40.74% of prosthodontists notified technicians through notes on impression bags. About 61.00% reported that all technicians in lab were vaccinated for HBV. Only 6.40% of technicians apply all protective precautions when receiving impressions. Fifty percent of the prosthodontists aren’t sure that technicians disinfect impressions before pouring. About 65.00% of technicians feel that laboratories are adequately instructed for disinfection techniques of different impression materials and on contrary, 66.67% of prosthodontists didn’t feel that. Lack of communication between prosthodontists and their dental technicians was noticeable. Significant nonconformity of view between dental technicians and prosthodontics was reported.