| Abstrakt: |
Background and objectives: The correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential component of safe clinical practice in dentistry. This study examined the PPE practices of final-year dental students during clinical sessions. Methods: Twenty-four final-year dental students (89% response rate) were video recorded during clinical sessions with patients over 18 years of age. Observations of practices as applied to PPE use were scored. Data included: age, gender, length and type of procedure, PPE application and removal, tying back of long hair, as well as operator contact with PPE, equipment, computer and workspace surfaces. Results: The front of facemasks were frequently touched with gloved hands while the straps (p<0.05) were not. Eye protection was worn by all student practitioners, with over half of the participants (13/24) not touching their eye protection throughout the recordings. There was no observed difference between the type of eye protection used, procedure carried out, or gender in relation to gloved hand mean touches per 60 minutes (p>0.05). While almost all participants had clean and dirty zones and correct donning and doffing of PPE, the majority of participants touched 'other surfaces' which were defined as dental drawers, dental products, the operator's chair, tweezers, keyboard, mouse, or gown. Conclusions: A small proportion of students' habits should be reviewed, and corrective actions highlighted in order to improve cross infection protocols, improve hand hygiene, and to reduce transmission of potentially infectious agents, thus reducing potential harm to both clinicians and others. All clinicians should be mindful of correct PPE use and cross infection control procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
