Attitude and Awareness about Infection Control among Dental Students, Oral Radiologists and Dental Practitioners in South Chennai - A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

To assess the awareness, attitudes, about infection-control practices among dental students, oral radiologists, and dental practitioners in South Chennai Materials and Methods: A descriptive, questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pre-validated Google Forms questionnaire. Participants were recruited from a private dental college in Chennai following Institutional Review Board approval. The survey captured demographic data and responses across knowledge, awareness, practice, and attitude domains. Collected data (n=101) were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Results: Most participants (91.1%) were aware of infection-control guidelines, and 95% recognized the importance of protective barriers. However, only 51% disinfected radiographic equipment between patients, and sterilization practices for imaging accessories varied. Nearly half had undergone formal training, while 59.4% expressed interest in further workshops. Conclusion: Although participants demonstrated strong awareness and positive attitudes, notable gaps persisted between knowledge and consistent practice. Enhanced training, stricter protocols, and periodic audits are recommended to improve compliance in dental radiology settings.

Introduction

The text examines the importance of infection control in dental radiology, an area often underemphasized despite its high risk of cross-contamination due to close patient contact, exposure to saliva and blood, and frequent handling of radiographic equipment. With pathogens able to survive on surfaces and global health threats such as COVID-19 highlighting vulnerabilities, strict adherence to standardized infection control precautions in radiology settings is essential. The study aims to assess awareness, attitudes, and practices related to infection control among dental students, oral radiologists, and dental practitioners in South Chennai.

A descriptive, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 101 participants, primarily interns and early-career professionals. Results showed high awareness of infection control guidelines (over 91%) and generally positive attitudes toward the importance of radiographic infection control. Most participants recognized cross-contamination risks and the need for barrier protection and PPE, though usage of protective eyewear was low.

Despite good knowledge and attitudes, actual practices were inconsistent. Only about half disinfected radiographic equipment after every patient, and sterilization of film holders and accessories was irregular. Glove-changing compliance was relatively high, but gaps remained in PPE disposal and equipment disinfection. Nearly one-third of participants had not received formal radiology-specific infection control training, though a majority expressed interest in future workshops.

The discussion highlights a recurring theme in the literature: a disconnect between knowledge and practice, especially among students and less experienced practitioners. Comparisons with previous studies suggest that stronger institutional policies, regular training, and enforcement improve compliance. The study concludes that while awareness and attitudes toward infection control in dental radiology are improving, practical implementation remains inadequate, underscoring the need for targeted training, stricter protocols, and periodic audits to enhance patient and practitioner safety.

Conclusion

The study highlights that while dental students, oral radiologists, and practitioners demonstrate generally good awareness and positive attitudes toward infection control, significant gaps remain in the consistent application of recommended practices, especially in radiographic settings. Despite high levels of reported knowledge, actual compliance with disinfection, PPE use, and equipment barrier protection was only moderate. These discrepancies emphasize the need for reinforced training, clearer institutional protocols, and routine monitoring. Strengthening radiology-specific infection control education could help bridge the gap between awareness and practice. Overall, targeted interventions are essential to enhance safety standards and minimize infection risks in dental clinical environments.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. K. Pazhanivel MDS, Dr. Priya Ramani MDS, Dr. GnanaPrabhavadhi M., Dr. Gobika N., Dr. Hemasundari S., Dr. Harshitha S.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.