Audit of Infection Control at a Teaching Institution in Malaysia

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the level of infection control practices amongst year 3, 4 and 5 undergraduate dental students in the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya.  It also compared between Operator and Assistant performing a similar task. Methods: An audit checklist was designed based on the Infection Control Guidelines published by the Faculty. The checklist consists of four parts; A: Prior to entering clinic, B: Preparation before treatment, C: During treatment, and D: After clinical session. The audit checklist had criteria/procedures which were specific or common to the Operator and Assistant. 10 pairs of students (Operator and Assistant) were randomly selected from Polyclinics A, B and C, representing Year 3, 4 and 5 undergraduate students respectively (n=60). The study subjects were audited following the criteria stated on the checklist as soon as they entered the clinic, during treatment and up until they exited the polyclinic. The data collected were analysed using SPSS statistical software followed by Rasch Analysis. Results: Year 3 students performed better infection control practices (1.43 logits) than Year 5 (0.96 logit) and Year 4 (0.94 logit) students. The Operators (1.16 logits) in Year 5 Polyclinic performed better whilst in Year 3 and 4 Polyclinics, the Assistants (1.56 logits, and 1.05 logits, respectively) were more compliant to infection control practices. 100% of students complied with 6 of the guidelines which are: not wearing nail varnish, wearing of gloves during treatment, re-sheating of needle, proper waste and sharps disposal and removal of gown before leaving clinic. However, only 1.7% of dental students wore protective goggles or face shield during treatment. Conclusion: Year 3 students demonstrated the best compliance to infection control practices. The Operators in Year 5 Polyclinic performed better whilst in Year 3 and 4 Polyclinics, the Assistants were more compliant to infection control practices.