Validity and Applicability of Introducing a Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance System in Dental Hospitals in Korea Using the Delphi Technique

<b>Background:</b> This study determined the validity and applicability of introducing a healthcare-associated infection surveillance system in dental hospitals using the Delphi technique. <b>Methods:</b> The Delphi questionnaire was developed by conducting a systematic literature review and focus group interview involving five dentists and dental hygienists with experience in performing infection control in dental hospitals and three infection control experts. The Delphi survey was administered to 16 experts, including 6 dentists and 5 dental hygienists with experience in infection control, 2 infection control nurses, and 3 infectious disease physicians. <b>Results:</b> The Delphi survey demonstrated a high level of agreement on the necessity of introducing a healthcare-associated infection surveillance system in dental hospitals and the need for dental hospitals to participate in the "Korean National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance System" that is currently operated on a national level. However, the level of agreement on the applicability was low given the lack of employees responsible for infection control. <b>Conclusions:</b> Surveillance criteria and a system for process indicators suitable for dental hospitals should be established. We suggest developing infection surveillance indicators and applying trials of the items with a high priority, as assessed in this study, to support dental hospitals' participation in the "Korean National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance System".