RISK PERCEPTION OF WORK-RELATED INFECTIONS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS IN IASI, ROMANIA

Dental practitioners are at a high risk of occupational infections, but some of them do not comply with infection control practices very well. The aim of the present study was to assess the risk perception of work-related infections and the corresponding preventive measures among dental students in Iasi, Romania. Material and methods: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included 90 subjects aged 22-28 years, attending years 4th, 5th and 6th of the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi. Results: Wearing of personal protective equipment was reported by a percentage between 20% and 88% of the students. Half of the investigated students reported that they always perform hand hygiene after dental procedures The potential risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens in the dental office was correctly estimated by 23% of students for HBV, 26% for HCV, and 33% for HIV. A percentage of 73% of study participants declared that they received full HBV vaccine, and 60% of students were not sure about what they must do in case of an accident with exposure to blood. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest the need for continuous information and a better awareness of young practitioners on work-related infections and preventive measures in dentistry.