Dental Laboratories: Neglected Importance of Infection Control

Dental technicians are in indirect contact with patients. Microorganisms find their way to dental labs through dental impressions. Infection control is a critical procedure to prevent the spreading of diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of infection control knowledge and practice and the factors affecting them, in DLs in Yazd – Iran.
All dental labs in Yazd – Iran were visited and all working technicians were asked to fill questionnaires including knowledge and practice questions. Data was analyzed using t-test via SPSS 17.
Out of 26 filled questionnaires 73% and 50% of the technicians had respectively poor awareness and practice. Regarding adherence to infection control procedures, technicians with higher work experience had significantly higher scores (p value = 0.015). Technicians educated in the field of dental technologies had significantly higher awareness and practice scores (p value= 0.015, 0.029).
Technicians who have been trained at dental schools have higher knowledge and practice regarding infection control. Since dental labs are not obligated to hire only these technicians, workers without related education are occupied in dental labs. This result in the unfortunate status of infection control in dental labs. The poor status of infection control in dental labs can contribute to spread infections to patients and the related healthcare team.