KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF DISINFECTION OF IMPRESSIONS IN DENTISTRY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS- A SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Abstract

Introduction: Dental impressions are contaminated with patients saliva or blood. Such fluids can contain viral and bacterial pathogens, including HIV and hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. Although most infectious agents do not survive for extended periods outside the body, many pathogens, if present in high enough numbers, can survive several days. Disinfecting impressions kills the pathogens present in the impressions.

Aim :  The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and awareness among dentists regarding disinfection of impression materials.

Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted among the dental students of Chennai through survey planet. It consisted of 18 questions related to impression disinfection procedures, duration and their knowledge and awareness reading these. The respective responses were statistically analyzed.

Results: With 105  responses totally,  1st year dental students  were aware that impressions are infectious. Materials like iodophors, alcohols and glutaraldehyde are used to disinfect impressions. Diseases like HIV, hepatitis and bacterial pathogens are transmitted through dental impressions.

Conclusion: With efficient communication and proper protocols in a regular manner will not spread any kind of infection. This will keep the environment free of microbes and also prevent the spread of infections to patients and technicians.