INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS IN STANDARD DENTAL CARE MODELS
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Keywords
Infection Control, Dental Assistants, Dental Care, Hand Hygiene, Sterilization Technologies, Patient Safety
Abstract
Introduction: Infection control within dental settings is paramount for patient safety and the prevention of diseasetransmission. Dental assistants play a crucial role in maintaining these standards through various practices and protocols. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control interventions among dental assistants in standard dental care models, focusing on the impact of educational, technological, and procedural interventions on infection control adherence .
Methods: The review included interventional studies and clinical trials published from 2007 to 2022. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL using terms related to infection control, dental assistants, and dental care models. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on those that assessed the outcomes of infection control practices. Risk ratios, percentages, and confidence intervals were extracted to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention.
Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a range of interventions from educational programs to the introduction of new sterilization technologies and enhanced hygiene protocols. Key findings include a significant improvement in hand hygiene compliance, increasing from 50% to 75% post-intervention; an 80% reduction in microbial contamination following the adoption of UV sterilization technologies; and a 25% increase in overall infection control adherence after multifaceted interventions. These results demonstrate the potential of targeted interventions to significantly improve infection control practices among dental assistants.
Conclusions: This review highlights the effectiveness of various interventions in improving infection control practices among dental assistants in dental care settings. Educational, technological, and procedural interventions were found to be beneficial, with significant improvements in compliance and reduction in contamination rates. Despite limitations related to study heterogeneity and scope, the findings provide valuable insights for enhancing patient safety and infection control in dental care.
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Salha Saud Albishe
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Samiah Jeres Alotaibi
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Souad Nasser Alanaze
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Maryam Motared Alanazi
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sara Ali Mohammad Bidhy
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wafaa Muteb Hamed Alshammari
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Amani Mohammed Fallatah
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ahlam Saer Alotaibi
Dental Assistant, Riyadh Specialized Dental Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.