Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Dental Students Towards Infection Control Measures at Sirt University, Libya

Among the numerous risks faced by oral health care practitioners is the potential for cross-infection with bloodborne infections. Many different types of germs can be readily spread at a dental clinic, including viruses, bacteria, and hepatitis C and B. Aim: to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of the recommended infection control procedures among undergraduate dental students at dental school/ Sirt University, Libya. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. It was considered that previously used questionnaire (Royal College of Medicine Perak). Would add strength to our study and hence only minor changes were made to it. A random sampling of Libyan dental students filled out three section questions regarding knowledge, awareness, attitude, and barriers towards the Evidence-based infection control measures. Results: There were 76 dental students (3rd, 4th, and internship years): 87% female and 13% male. The survey found that 90% of participants believe hand hygiene requires plain soap, anti-microbial hand washes alcoholic hand rubs, or waterless antiseptics. More than 61 % of the study supposed that the personal protective equipment (PPE) will protect patients’ health workers and visitors.86% of the research sample concur that (PPE) mitigates, but does not entirely eradicate, the infection risk acquisition Standard precautions of IC were not followed by many dentists. For example, 31 dentists (30.4%) twisted needles after each usage, 23 dentists (30.3%) did not wear gowns, and 4 dentists.)%2.5( Conclusion: More efforts must be spent to improve students' attitudes and compliance with infection control policy. Also, a continual and thorough evaluation of student's knowledge and application of infection control measures must be conducted to achieve optimal performance by our dental students in patient care.