Attitudes and practices of infection control among dental students at colleges of dentistry, Al-Qassim Region in the Saudi Arabia

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate compliance, awareness and practices of infection control procedures among dental students at colleges of dentistry, Al-Qassim Region in the Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This study was conducted at college of dentistry of 50 of dental students. The questionnaire was formed by the authors. It was a self-administered questionnaire consisted of 14 closed-ended questions related to barrier techniques, vaccination status, percutaneous and mucous membrane exposures in addition to the dental treatment of infected patients, infection control practices and awareness. Results The questionnaire was distributed among 100 senior dental students at the Qassim Region of which only 50 students (50%) responded. Compliance with the use of protective barriers was high with the exception of protective eye wear, utilized by a mere20% of students. Regarding the treatment of patients with infectious diseases, 50% students did not mind treating patients with infectious diseases. Students suffered from non-sterile percutaneous and mucous membrane exposures compared withThe maximum number of reported exposures was related to the use of local anesthesia needles. Conclusions Efforts are needed to improve attitudes, implement information and motivate students in the correct and routine use of infection control measures, with all infection control protocols already implemented in dental schools, the challenge remains on improving compliance with infection control recommendations.