To Assess the Knowledge, Attribution, and Perception for Disinfection of Prosthesis Sent Back from the Lab among the Dental Practitioners in Lucknow: A Survey-based Study

Aims and background: Cross-contamination is a significant concern in dental practice, particularly regarding prostheses received from laboratories.Proper disinfection of these prostheses is crucial to prevent infection transmission.This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of dental practitioners in Lucknow regarding the disinfection of prostheses returned from the laboratory.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental practitioners in Lucknow using a structured questionnaire.The questionnaire covered aspects related to awareness, practices, and attitudes toward prosthesis disinfection.Data were collected through an online and offline survey and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.Results: The survey revealed that while most dental practitioners in Lucknow recognize the importance of prosthesis disinfection, significant gaps exist in their knowledge, compliance, and confidence in existing protocols.Although 59.90% of respondents were aware of guidelines provided by dental associations, only 13.36% rated themselves as very familiar with disinfection protocols.Responsibility for disinfection was distributed among dentists (41.47%), laboratory technicians (34.56%), and dental assistants (23.04%), indicating a lack of clear accountability.Only 6.45% of respondents reported always following disinfection protocols, while 74.65% complied inconsistently.The most common barriers to adherence included limited access to disinfectants (31.33%), time constraints (18.43%), and lack of training (11.98%).Additionally, 35.94% of practitioners expressed concerns about cross-contamination, further emphasizing the need for stricter protocol implementation.The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted disinfection practices, with 85.71% of respondents reporting increased awareness and stricter measures. Conclusion:The study highlights an urgent need for enhanced training and adherence to standardized disinfection protocols among dental practitioners.Despite recognizing the importance of disinfection, inconsistencies in practice and knowledge gaps persist.Strengthening education, improving communication between dental professionals and laboratories, and ensuring accessibility to appropriate disinfectants can enhance compliance and patient safety.Clinical significance: Proper disinfection of prostheses is essential in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring infection control in dental practice.Addressing the identified challenges through training programs, standardized guidelines, and improved compliance monitoring will contribute to better patient safety and overall hygiene standards in dentistry.