Evaluation of Practices and Attitudes among Dental Technicians toward Infection Control Measures within the Prosthodontics Laboratory in the Libyan Cities of Misurata, Bani Waleed and Zliten.

Abstract

Dental technicians may be exposed to the transmission of infection inside the prosthodontics laboratory, even if they are not in direct contact with the patient’s mouth, through impressions, restorations, and dental devices coming from the clinic. Aim: to investigate of practices and attitudes of dental technicians regarding infection control procedures within prosthodontic laboratories (public and private) in Misurata, Bani Waleed and Zliten. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by distributing questionnaires among laboratory technicians.  The data were analyzed and summarized statistically using SPSS version (26.0). Results: (57.4%) of technicians were aware of the various infection control measures. About (58.8%) wear work coat, (45.6%) use gloves, (26.5%) use mouth masks, only (4.4%) wear eye shields. (23.5%) of technicians received vaccination against hepatitis B virus. (72.1%) use spraying for the disinfection of impressions. (41.2%) of them transferred the impressions using napkin. (85.3%) of participants wear gloves when receiving the dental impression and (79.4%) of them change gloves after each case. (91.2%) of technicians sterilize and disinfect impressions and prosthodontic coming from dental clinic. (32.4%) of technicians disinfect the restorations prior sending it to clinic. (50%) of the laboratory is sterilized on a daily routine after the end of work. (41.2%) of them disinfecting the used pumice it periodically. Conclusion: Dental technicians had varying levels of practices and attitudes toward infection control procedures. It is necessary to improve the level of knowledge of technicians about the various infection control measures that must be taken in place in the laboratory.