Cross Infection Prevention and Dental Patients’ Perceptions

Objectives: Patients’ perception of risk of contagion can improve delivered care and help developing educational skills into a culture of patient safety. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate perceptions of infection control practices and also of acquiring bloodborne viruses after dental treatment among users attending a Public Health Service in Araraquara city, Sao Paulo State, Brazil.
Methods: A convenience sample of 50 patients answered a semi-structured questionnaire cross-culturally adapted to the Portuguese language.
Results: All participants rated glove wearing as important, as well as the use of masks (97.5%). Interviewees' perception was high to identify professional adherence to these Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ninety percent showed concern about dentists’ hand hygiene before donning gloves, and if gloves were reused (100%). They were aware that dentists have been advised to wear gloves routinely (98%), and believed gloves are worn to protect both the dentist and patients (96%). All participants showed concern if gloves were reused and 92% would be concerned if the dentists changed gloves between patients, but did not wash their hands. There was a belief that transmission was "likely or very likely" for HIV virus (60%) and so for Hepatitis B (72%) or C virus (72%). However, 62% didn’t know about the transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Regarding sterilization, 96% were concerned about the procedures used, but their knowledge was low: only 22% pointed “autoclave”, 22% didn’t know which method to choose, 18% reported “hot air oven”, 6% “boiling water”, and 32% “combination of methods”. Eighteen percent of the interviewed had avoided or delayed dental visits due to fear of infection.
Conclusions: Patients correctly identified the need for sterilized instruments, disposable items, PPE wear, and hand hygiene before gloving hands. Empowerment of patients through educational programs can help promoting prevention of crossed infection and patient safety culture in dentistry.