Evaluation of awareness of dental practitioners in Bushehr of infection control techniques during dental radiographic procedures

Introduction: Patients, health care workers and dental practitioners are exposed to oral infections and infective microorganisms during dental imaging procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate awareness of dental practitioners in Bushehr of infection control techniques during dental radiographic procedures.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study knowledge of dental practitioners working in Bushehr about infection control in dental radiography was evaluated by a specially designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed during continuous education conferences and was directly handed in to dental practitioners in their offices. A total of 47 dental practitioners were evaluated. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical methods in the form of scores ranging from 0 to 100.Results: A total of 74.5% of those surveyed in the study were male and 25.5% were female. The awareness scores in relation to infection transmission pathways, infective fluids, AIDS transmission pathways, and unhealthy behaviors were higher than average. The awareness scores in relation to covering of the hands, environmental factors, how to wear new gloves, and disinfection of the hands were below average. The total mean of the correct answers to the questions was 45% with a range of 6% to 87%. In general, awareness scores of dental practitioners in Bushehr of techniques to control infection during dental radiographic procedures were at a moderate level.Conclusion: Considering the importance of infection control in dental radiographic techniques and the moderate scores of dental practitioners in Bushehr, it is necessary to place great emphasis on instructions in this regard. Key words: Awareness, Dental radiography, Infection control.