Knowledge and practice adopted by dental practitioners and dental auxiliaries regarding biomedical waste management in Pune

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and practice adopted by dental practitioners and auxiliaries regarding biomedical waste (BMW) disposal in Pune. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among 150 dentists, 36 nurses and 20 Class IV workers (total sample n = 206) from Pune city. A 12‑item questionnaire which was used to collect the data had questions related to BMW generation, segregation, disinfection and disposal. Results: Overall, 93.69% respondents were aware of BMW management system. Only 74.6% were registered at local governing body. Dentists who were not registered (25.3%) for BMW disposal system, disposed waste in dustbins. About 70.67% had permission from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to generate waste. About 72% dentist practiced color‑coded waste disposal, whereas 69.4% nurses and 60% Class IV workers did not follow it. Nearly 52.9% responded that sharps should be disposed in white containers. More than 90% participants reported to have generated all types of dental waste. 52.9% of the respondents treated waste before disposing in red containers. Daily disposable of the waste at the collection center was practiced by 32.5% respondents. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the knowledge and practice regarding waste disposal was poor. Proper training, continuing education programs, and short‑term courses about BMW management and infection control procedures are required to improve the knowledge of dentists and dental auxiliaries.