Assessment of the Effect of Educating Dental Assistants on the Quality of Sterilization in Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Obeying sterilization procedure is one of the most important foundations in infection control in dentistry, which is one of the most important responsibilities of dental assistants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of educating sterilization procedure to dental assistants on the quality of sterilization in Iran.Material and Methods: 75 dental offices in Karaj, Iran were chosen randomly. An oral medicine specialist educated assistants theoretically (by using a brochure) and practically about sterilization procedure. Their knowledge, attitude and performance in relation to sterilization procedure were assessed by a questionnaire before and after education. Autoclave accuracy was also assessed by using a biological test. Wilcoxon and MC Nemar, non-parametrical tests were used to analyze data. Results:Educating dental assistants changed assistant`s performance as below: Number of centers, which used to wash equipment after dental procedures increased from 16% to 25%. Number of centers that were used to put dental equipment in disinfectants was increased from 5.33% to 55.6%. Packing dental equipment increased 24% (56.7%) and monitoring system was increased up to 65.3% after education. Failure of biologic test decreased from9 to 1 center after education. Conclusion:we concluded that educating dental assistants is effective on improvement of their performance in sterilization of dental equipment.