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1- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, School of Dentistry, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
3- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran; Environmetal Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran
4- Environmetal Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,Dr.shahryari@goums.ac.ir
2- Student Research Committee, School of Dentistry, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
3- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran; Environmetal Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran
4- Environmetal Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gogan, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,
Abstract: (130 Views)
Background: Controlling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is crucial for maintaining a safe environment in dental work environments (DWEs). This study investigates infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs in a dental school.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the School of Dentistry in Gorgan, Iran, between November 2023 and February 2024. The checklist provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was utilized to assess the IPAC program. The data collection form consisted of two sections. The first sec-tion consisted of 12 subsections with 60 questions, focusing on policies and prac-tices. The second section comprised 8 subsections with 69 questions, aimed at evaluating direct observations of personnel and patient-care practices.
Results: The findings demonstrated that the IPAC program was successfully implemented, yielding satisfactory scores in most departments. Over 82% of departments achieved a compliance score of 75% or higher compared to the optimal score. The highest and lowest scores were observed in hand hygiene and dental healthcare personnel safety, specifically in terms of policies and practices. In direct observa-tions of personnel and patient-care practices, environmental infection control and respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette received the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
Conclusion: The infection control program was generally satisfactory. However, failure to meet all criteria had a serious impact on patient safety and well-being. Therefore, it is essential to carry out regular inspections to assess the implementation of infection control procedures. Training courses in infection prevention and control for dental clinics should be emphasized more.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the School of Dentistry in Gorgan, Iran, between November 2023 and February 2024. The checklist provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was utilized to assess the IPAC program. The data collection form consisted of two sections. The first sec-tion consisted of 12 subsections with 60 questions, focusing on policies and prac-tices. The second section comprised 8 subsections with 69 questions, aimed at evaluating direct observations of personnel and patient-care practices.
Results: The findings demonstrated that the IPAC program was successfully implemented, yielding satisfactory scores in most departments. Over 82% of departments achieved a compliance score of 75% or higher compared to the optimal score. The highest and lowest scores were observed in hand hygiene and dental healthcare personnel safety, specifically in terms of policies and practices. In direct observa-tions of personnel and patient-care practices, environmental infection control and respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette received the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
Conclusion: The infection control program was generally satisfactory. However, failure to meet all criteria had a serious impact on patient safety and well-being. Therefore, it is essential to carry out regular inspections to assess the implementation of infection control procedures. Training courses in infection prevention and control for dental clinics should be emphasized more.
Keywords: Dental Disinfection, Infection Control, Health Personnel, Environment of care, School Dentistry
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Public health
Received: 2024/12/15 | Accepted: 2025/09/29
Received: 2024/12/15 | Accepted: 2025/09/29
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