Biomaterial Database

Hand-washing knowledge and practices among dentists and dental specialists. 2012

Oscar G Vega, and Charles Janus, and Daniel M Laskin

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0566, USA.

OBJECTIVE Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. However, studies have shown that there is a lack of knowledge among physicians about proper hand hygiene. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of general dentists and dental specialists regarding the correct agents to use and the appropriate times to wash hands. METHODS A questionnaire asking for demographic information and the answers to questions about proper hand hygiene practices and agents was sent via email to a list of general dentists and dental specialists. A total of 480 completed surveys were received (approximately 15% response). RESULTS None of the respondents answered all the questions correctly. Six percent answered 4 questions correctly, 23% answered 3 questions correctly, and 47% answered only 2 questions correctly. There was no correlation between the number of correct answers and whether the respondent was a general dentist or a specialist. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of knowledge among dentists regarding proper hand hygiene. For the benefit of both the patient and the doctor, this situation must be remedied.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007455	Iodine	A nonmetallic element of the halogen group that is represented by the atomic symbol I, atomic number 53, and atomic weight of 126.90. It is a nutritionally essential element, especially important in thyroid hormone synthesis. In solution, it has anti-infective properties and is used topically.	Iodine-127,Iodine 127
D008297	Male		Males
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D011795	Surveys and Questionnaires	Collections of data obtained from voluntary subjects. The information usually takes the form of answers to questions, or suggestions.	Community Survey,Nonrespondent,Questionnaire,Questionnaires,Respondent,Survey,Survey Method,Survey Methods,Surveys,Baseline Survey,Community Surveys,Methodology, Survey,Nonrespondents,Questionnaire Design,Randomized Response Technique,Repeated Rounds of Survey,Respondents,Survey Methodology,Baseline Surveys,Design, Questionnaire,Designs, Questionnaire,Methods, Survey,Questionnaire Designs,Questionnaires and Surveys,Randomized Response Techniques,Response Technique, Randomized,Response Techniques, Randomized,Survey, Baseline,Survey, Community,Surveys, Baseline,Surveys, Community,Techniques, Randomized Response
D002710	Chlorhexidine	A disinfectant and topical anti-infective agent used also as mouthwash to prevent oral plaque.	Chlorhexidine Acetate,Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride,MK-412A,Novalsan,Sebidin A,Tubulicid,Acetate, Chlorhexidine,Hydrochloride, Chlorhexidine,MK 412A,MK412A
D004497	Education, Dental	Use for articles concerning dental education in general.	Dental Education
D005260	Female		Females
D005792	General Practice, Dental	Nonspecialized dental practice which is concerned with providing primary and continuing dental care.	Dental General Practice,Dental General Practices,General Practices, Dental,Practice, Dental General,Practices, Dental General
D006235	Hand Disinfection	The act of cleansing the hands with water or other liquid, with or without the inclusion of soap or other detergent, for the purpose of destroying infectious microorganisms.	Disinfection, Hand,Handwashing,Hand Sanitization,Hand Washing,Scrubbing, Surgical,Surgical Scrubbing,Hand Washings,Sanitization, Hand,Washing, Hand,Washings, Hand
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man