한국치위생학회

Differences in dental hygienists’infection control awareness and re-user rate of disposable dental care supplies

Bo-Young Park1   Hie-Jin Noh2,*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, The Graduate School of Yonsei University
1Department of Dental Hygiene, Yonsei University

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the difference between the awareness and reuser rate of infection control t for disposable dental care supplies (DDCS) according to general characteristics and infection management-related characteristics. Methods: A questionnaire was used for 277 dental hygienists to check the general characteristics, infection management-related characteristics, awareness of infection control disposable dental care products, syringe needle, prophylaxis cup, prophylaxis brush, plastic saliva ejector, orthodontic bracket, and gloves reuse rate. Results: The awareness of infection control for DDCS differed according to 'hospital type','average number of patients per day', 'presence or absence of infection control guidelines', and 'experience in infection management training in the last two years' (p<0.05). Reuser rates of disposable dental care products differed according to 'hospital type', 'average number of patients per day', 'presence or absence of infection control guidelines', and 'experience in infection management training in the last two years' (p<0.05). Conclusions: In order to manage infection of DDCS, the level of infection control system in the workplace is improved and support for related education is needed. In addition, guidelines and regulations on prohibition of reuse and classification criteria for various DDCS should be prepared.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1.Reuse rate of DDCS