Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in practice and concepts of infection control by dentists in Taipei before and after intervention with promotional activities. A 30-item questionnaire modified from a questionnaire used in 1993, which included the dentist's background, and perceptions and attitudes towards infection control was mailed to all licensed Taiwan Dental Association (TDA) members (N=2,040). Of these, 648 questionnaires were returned (32.0%). Data were analyzed using the SAS/PC software package. The sample characteristics, in terms of sex, age, practice years and location, were correlated with those of the TDA. (1) Dramatic changes (pc0.05) were seen in the use of barrier techniques (e.g. gloves: 44.0% in 1993, 69.0% in 1996; mouth masks: 96.0% in 1993, 98.0% in 1996; and facial masks: 15.0% in 1993, 22.6%
in 1996). (2) Percentages of time autoclaving to sterilize extraction instruments, examination instruments, dental handpieces and burs were 92.0%, 79.0%, 29.0%, and 25.0%, respectively, in 1993, and 95.8%, 85.6%, 58.9%, and 42.7% in 1996. (3) There was no significant difference in percutaneous injuries per week between 1993 (31.7%) and 1996 (36.0%). (4) Percentage of known contact with AlDS patients increased significantly (pc0.001) from 4.0% in 1993 to 8.5% in 1996, and percentage of dentists willing to treat AlDS patients also increased from 16.0% to 24.3% (pc0.001). (5) Most dentists still under-estimated the incidence of hepatitis B virus carriers as in 1993. In conclusion, dramatic improvement was noted in dental infection control over the past 3 years. The
TDA should continue encouraging universal precautions and infection control practices.
in 1996). (2) Percentages of time autoclaving to sterilize extraction instruments, examination instruments, dental handpieces and burs were 92.0%, 79.0%, 29.0%, and 25.0%, respectively, in 1993, and 95.8%, 85.6%, 58.9%, and 42.7% in 1996. (3) There was no significant difference in percutaneous injuries per week between 1993 (31.7%) and 1996 (36.0%). (4) Percentage of known contact with AlDS patients increased significantly (pc0.001) from 4.0% in 1993 to 8.5% in 1996, and percentage of dentists willing to treat AlDS patients also increased from 16.0% to 24.3% (pc0.001). (5) Most dentists still under-estimated the incidence of hepatitis B virus carriers as in 1993. In conclusion, dramatic improvement was noted in dental infection control over the past 3 years. The
TDA should continue encouraging universal precautions and infection control practices.
Translated title of the contribution | Reevaluation of perception and attitudes toward infection control in Taipei |
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Original language | Chinese (Traditional) |
Pages (from-to) | 191-202 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Dental Sciences |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- attitude
- dentists
- infection control
- perception
- reevaluation