Knowledge of Dentists about Chemical disinfectants in Great Tehran in 2006

Choosing appropriate disinfectants has become confusing for many dental professionals because of exaggerated manupacturer claims and misleading assays reported in the literature. Dentists should be aware of guidelines that assist in the selection of appropriate chemicals. To evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude of General Dental Practitioners (GPD) who work in private clinics in the Great Tehran in 2006 about chemical disinfectants. Methods and Materials: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. 446 GDPs (317 (71.1%) male, 129 (28.9%) female) were selected by a random cluster sampling method and evaluated by using a questionnaire consisting of 20 knowledge and 14 attitude questions content validity was confirmed by 4 specialists in oral medicine and 6 general practitioner. Spearman-Brown's reliability was 0.66.

The mean correct answers were 8.6 ± 3.0 (95% Cl: 8.3 to 8.9, ranged from 2 to 17) of maximum 20. Using multilinear regression formula showed that only age had negative relation with correct answers. The most difficult question was concerned with provision of and of particulars.

Knowledge level of GDPs about chemical Disinfection was low. It seems that traditional educational methods should be changed to new methods (Reform). 60.5% of the population was keep to receive. Information from programs and 46% wished to use educational leaflets.