Survey of Dental Infection Control in Southeast Asian Countries: Based on the Dental Infection Control Checklist of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Objective: This study investigated the current status of dental infection control in Southeast Asian countries based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) checklist, and to provide foundational data for developing appropriate infection control education programs. Methods: A survey was conducted among dental personnel at selected institutions in Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. An online questionnaire based on the CDC dental infection control checklist was distributed to participants. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis. Results: Most dental infection control tasks were performed by dental assistants (60%) and nurses (20%), with only 20% performed by dentists. Infection control education was received by 71.4% of respondents, and all participants expressed a willingness to participate in further infection control training. Notably, the absence of dental hygienists in the surveyed countries indicates the need for dedicated infection control. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for systematic dental infection control programs and suggests that the introduction of dental hygienists in Southeast Asian countries could enhance the effectiveness of infection prevention efforts. Continuous education and policy support are critical for improving infection control practices in this region.