Final year dental students' views on cross-infection precautions.
This study was undertaken to determine the influence that undergraduate training currently has on the formation of clinical management strategies for minimizing cross-infection, among final year dental students. A 10-page questionnaire was sent to final year dental students attending 15 of the UK's 16 dental schools. A response rate of 60.5% was obtained. A large proportion of the students said they would be prepared to treat a known HBV carrier (90.4%) or HIV carrier (84.3%); a much higher proportion than has previously been found among qualified dental personnel. However, only 55.6% of the students agreed with current recommendations that they ought to adopt a universal cross-infection policy. Nevertheless, most students agreed with recommendations that they ought to wear gloves (96.6%), eye protection (84.3%) and a surgical mask (62.6%). Disparity between some responses suggested that some final year dental students might not have a fully thought out cross-infection strategy.
Nuttall
N M
NM
Department of Dental Health, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK.
Gilbert
A D
AD
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003762:Dental Instruments; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013242:Sterilization; D013335:Students, Dental; D016635:Universal Precautions