Volume : 1, Issue : 2, DEC 2015

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF INFECTION CONTROL OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN TWO DISTRICTS OF UGANDA

Kibalizi Rose Ssendikaddiwa, Charles Mugisha Rwenyonyi

Abstract

Objective: To establish the knowledge, practices and needs of infection control (IC) of dental practitioners in Kampala and Wakiso districts,
Uganda.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in Kampala and Wakiso districts. The study participants were purposively selected. The
data were collected using a structured questionnaire in form of an interview.
Results: There were 2 practicing Dental Surgeons in Wakiso and 44 in Kampala District, while the Public Health Dental Officers were 41 and
152 in the respective districts. About 44% of the respondents did not undergo IC training in their institution and 61.9% had never had any formal
continuing education in IC since qualifying from training institutions. All the respondents were aware of the possible transmission of infection
during dental care. About 93.7%, 91.6% and 56.1% of the respondents agreed that HIV, HBV and HBC, respectively, could be transmitted
during dental care. About 56% of the respondents were fully immunized against HBV. Most respondents adhered to personal protection: use of
gloves, face masks, protective eye glasses and protective clothing. About 64% of the respondents agreed that IC measures placed an additional
financial burden.
Conclusion and recommendation: Despite low prevalence of formal training in IC, respondents had adequate knowledge and practiced IC
measures during dental care. However, IC should be included in the training curriculum and regularly reinforced with continuous professional
development.

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