Dental hygienists and infection control: Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in Italy

This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding infection control of dental hygienists in Italy. Among the 185 responders to the sel f-administered mailed questionnaire, 91.3% agreed with the correct response s to the three questions on knowledge about infection prevention and contro l procedures chosen as an indicator of 'good' knowledge. However, 21% were uncertain whether, or disagreed that, dental instruments should he rinsed i n water after contact with glutaraldehyde and 17.5% agreed that, or were un certain whether, 10 min contact with glutaraldehyde provided sterilization. Only 36.5% knew all the five oral manifestations of acquired immunodeficie ncy syndrome (AIDS) (acute periodontal problems, candidiasis, hairy leukopl akia, herpes simplex virus, Kaposi's sarcoma) and this knowledge was signif icantly higher in dental hygienists with a lower number of years of practic e. More than two-thirds used a steam sterilizer or glutaraldehyde for appro priate times and temperatures for disinfection/sterilization of instruments and used appropriate surface disinfection procedures, The correct applicat ion of disinfection or sterilization methods for instruments was more likel y in the older respondents and in those who attended continuing education c ourses on infection control. A positive attitude was reported br the majori ty of dental hygienists who agreed that guidelines should be maintained and applied and was significantly more likely in younger respondents. Only 57. 9% routinely follow all recommendations for infection control practices and their use was significantly higher in the older respondents. Educational p rogrammes are needed for improving knowledge about oral manifestations of A IDS in order to support dentists to provide early diagnosis and about the c orrect use of procedures and universal precautions for preventing infection s. (C) 2001 The Hospital Infection Society.