Infection Control Measures in Private Dental Clinics in Lebanon

Abstract

Purpose Evaluate infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice in Lebanese private dental clinics. Materials and Methods A survey including 46 questions related to routine safety procedures was sent to 1150 Lebanese dentists between July 1st and 2nd, 2015. The study sample was selected from the database of registered dentists based on a proportional random sampling ensuring equitable representation of the 5 geographic regions of Lebanon. A subset of 29 questions was used to generate an overall score of compliance (excellent, good, fair, and poor). Comparisons according to gender, type, region, and years of practice were performed. Results 417 dentists returned the completed questionnaires. 96% expressed concern about infection transmission, 90.6% were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and 61.8% asked routinely about patients medical history. Only 43% used protective eyewear. Although most dentists (65%) used autoclaves, dry heat was still used. Significant correlations were found between gender and use of personal protective equipment. Less compliance was shown by clinicians with fewer years of experience. In the overall compliance questionnaire, the mean percentage of correct answers was roughly 54% with <5% of the practitioners scoring “excellent.” Conclusions. The study found inadequacy of compliance in private Lebanese dental clinics necessitating improved educational training and sustained monitoring by regulatory bodies.

Sterilization and Biologic Monitoring in Private Dental Clinics in Lebanon

“…Dry heat ovens continue to be used in the private Lebanese dental sector and represent approximately one-third of the overall sterilizers. 10 The 12 failed ovens were linked with users who reported inadequate temperature/time ratios, indicating that failure to inactivate bacterial spores can be reliably attributed to human error in accordance with the findings of de Nardo et al 9 Lack of knowledge of the correct temperature/ time exposure levels required for efficient sterilization is often associated with the use of dry heat sterilizers. 28 Two ovens passed successfully the spore test despite the application of incorrect operational parameters (180°C for 50 minutes and 160°C for 110 minutes).…”

“…This ratio was based on the findings of a previous survey where 65% of the Lebanese private dental offices operated autoclaves vs 35% that used ovens. 10 Assuming a response rate of approximately 37% in the Lebanese private dental sector, a list of 560 dentists was selected according to a proportional stratified random sampling to ensure equitable representation of the five geographic regions of Lebanon. 10…”

“…In a previous survey evaluating knowledge, attitude, and behavior of Lebanese dentists relative to infectious diseases, the overall compliance with infection control measures has been demonstrated to be inadequate in the private dental sector. 10 Autoclaves were reported to be the preferred means of sterilization in nearly 65% of the participating clinics, but dry heat sterilizers continued to be used among the respondents (35.0%). No documentation is currently available relative to the biologic monitoring of sterilization in dental practices in Lebanon.…”

Awareness and compliance of dental students and interns toward infection control at Riyadh Elm University

“…In addition, the low compliance with eye protection was reported among DHCW and students in Lebanon, Morocco, India, and China [30], [35], [36], [40], [42]. …”

“…Despite the emphasis that was placed on making DHCW aware of the risk of cross-infection and the recommended practices to control infection transmission, the percentage of DHCW who adhered to those practices was below expectations [1], [2], [4], [9], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37], [38]. …”