Abstract
Aim:To study the awareness, attitude, practice and facilities among the different categories of dental laboratories in Abha city.Materials and Methods: A total of 80 dental technicians were surveyed in the study. The dental laboratories included in the study were teaching institute (Group I), Government Hospital (Group II), Private Dental Clinic (Group III) and Independent laboratory (Group IV). The pre-tested anonymous questionnaire was used to understand knowledge, attitude, facilities, practice and orientation regarding biomedical waste management.Results:The knowledge of biomedical waste categories, colour coding and segregation was better among Group I (55-65%) and Group II (65-75%). The lowest standard of waste disposal was practiced at Group IV (15-20%) and Group III (25-35%). The availability of disposal facilities was poor at Group IV. The continuous education on biomedical waste management lacked in all the Groups.Conclusion:The significant improvement in disposal facilities was required at Group III and Group IV laboratories. All dental technicians were in need of regular training of biomedical waste management. Clinical Significance:The dental laboratories are an integral part of dental practice. The dental laboratories are actively involved in the generation, handling and disposal of biomedical waste. Hence, it is important to assess the biomedical waste management knowledge, attitude, facilities and practice among different categories of dental laboratories.
Highlights
The World Health Organization describes the healthcare waste as discarded, untreated materials from healthcare activities, which have the potential of transmitting infectious agents to humans [1]
The dental laboratory solid waste classified as infectious waste, non-infectious toxic waste, and domestic waste
5-25% of the participants across the groups were aware of biomedical waste (BMW) regulation applicable to dental practice
Summary
The World Health Organization describes the healthcare waste as discarded, untreated materials from healthcare activities, which have the potential of transmitting infectious agents to humans [1]. Biomedical waste (BMW) management in dental practice is critical as in the medical fraternities. Proper BMW disposal is essential for the safety of the dental personnel and the general public at large. The majority of countries control the dental waste under medical waste management regulations. Dental laboratories are an integral part of dental practice. The well-equipped, efficient laboratory is vital across the dental specialties including Prosthodontics, Restorative dentistry, pedodontics, and orthodontics. Most of the restorative dental procedures require the dental laboratories support to complete the planned treatment. During the process of indirect restoration fabrication, the dental laboratories generate various hazardous wastes potentially detrimental to the health and environment. The Dental prosthesis, occlusal bite blocks, occlusal records, and orthodontic appliances
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