Sterilization & cross infection in dentistry: patients perception

Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception and attitudeof patients towards sterilization and cross Infection and to assess the effects of education onperception and behavior towards sterilization and cross infection. Cross infection control ismost important in dentistry as it is considered one of the main reasons of rapid spread ofinfectious diseases now a days. Setting: Major public sector hospital of Punjab Pakistan, PunjabDental Hospital Lahore. Material & Method: We surveyed patients in OPDs of Punjab DentalHospital Lahore. Survey questions covered demographics as well as 15 questions related tosterilization and cross infection in dentistry. Questionnaires were given to educated peopleand interviews were taken from uneducated or less educated people. Data was collected andanalyzed. Results: patients have some knowledge about sterilization and cross infection buttheir concepts need a lot of improvement. Patients know that microbial contamination occursbut they are unaware of the diseases that are transmitted. Similarly on other perspective thereis discrepancy in knowledge and practice, as they do not take it seriously or they are unawareof the consequences of cross infection or long term effects of HIV, Hepatitis B & C. Disposableinstruments are very important for controlling cross infection. Only 60% people said they wouldprefer disposable instruments over reusable instruments when option is given to them. Mostpeople are reluctant to be treated with disposable instruments due to extra cost on treatment.92% were well aware of significance of hand washing of dentist before and after dental checkup,but when they go through dental examination they are either careless or hesitant to ask dentistto wash hands. Conclusion: Besides the knowledge there are other factors like patientsattitude and concerns also play vital role in preventing infection transmission in them. We haveto educate them about infectious diseases and their root of transmission and their long termeffects on health.