Infection control awareness and performance of dental Hygienist

Hyang-Nim Lee*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, Gwangju Health University

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate awareness and performance of infection control by dental hygienist. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was answered by 239 dental hygienists working in dental clinics from September 7 to 18, 2016 in Gwangju city & Jeonnam region after explaining the purpose of the study and receiving the informed consent. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics and awareness and performance of infection control using Likert 4 point scale. Results: Average of Infection control awareness was 3.33±0.38, average of infection control Performance was 3.04±0.37 (p<0.05). The awareness and practice of dental equipment management showed the largest difference. The awareness of infection control by general characteristics varied according to position, number of dental units, number of employees, Infection control needs, Received infection control training experience, infection experience, infection control guideline (p<0.05). The relationship between infection control awareness and Infection control performance was r = 0.624 (p<0.001), indicating positive correlation. Conclusions: To improve awareness and performance of dental hygienist's infection control, regular received infection control training experience is needed. It is considered that the dentist's active cooperation is needed in shortening the life span of the dental equipment due to the Infection control performance and securing the quantity.

Acknowledgements

이 논문은 2017년도 광주보건대학교 교내 학술연구비 지원에 의해 수행되었음(3017004).

Figures & Tables

Table 1. General characteristics of subjects Unit: N (%) (N=239)