Abstract
Objectives : In the field of dental hygiene, infections pose a serious problem. This issue has left many patients and dental staff exposed to microbes with potentially far-reaching effects. The purpose of this study was to find solutions which could improve Dental health policies and promote improved methods for the control of infections. This survey was conducted between March 3, 2008 and March 30, 2008, in the metropolitan area. The research was carried out in dental clinics and dental hygienists were surveyed through a questionnaire. Methods : Collected data was examined using the SPSS 14.0 program, using frequency, mean and standard deviation analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe's test and Duncan's test. Further analysis was given using Logistic Regression. Results : The Performance of Infection Control by dental hygienists in Dental Clinics was shown at $2.96{\pm}0.42$. Disinfection, sterilization and the wearing of masks is high at $3.65{\pm}0.64$, $3.64{\pm}0.65$. The perception of the importance of infection control is higher among dental hygienists than dentists. Of the dental hygienists surveyed, 83.9% were exposed to at least one accident while at work. Age and years of experience were important in relation to infection control practices. The rate of infections and the number of accidents experienced related to the dental hygienists performance of infection control. The performance of infection control is influenced by the dental hygienists own perceptions, and the perceptions of their dentists. The dental hygienist's working conditions and their beliefs related to infection control were shown to influence their performance of infection control practices. Conclusion : At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that systematic refresher training of infection control should be delivered through further education and various media. Dental health care workers should be encouraged to practice these action items presented in the training. For successful implementation of infection control in every dental health-care setting, it is highly demanded that effective safe-guard tools, strategic support and standardized action items against infection problems are developed.
