Assessment of the Practice Regarding Infection Control in Dental Prosthetic

Sara Kefah Jaafar; NisreenManaa Khalaf, Tabark Shihab Ahmed; Luma Talib farhod; Nibras Riyadh Kadhim; Laith Hussain Kareem

Authors

Sara Kefah Jaafar M.B.Ch.B H.D.F.M, College of Dentistry, AL-Turath University, Iraq
NisreenManaa Khalaf, Tabark Shihab Ahmed B.Sc. M.Sc. College of Dentistry, AL-Turath University, Iraq
Luma Talib farhod M.B.Ch.B. F.I.B.M.S. College of Dentistry, AL-Turath University, Iraq
Nibras Riyadh Kadhim M.B.Ch.B C.A.B.S.FM. College of Dentistry, AL-Turath University, Iraq
Laith Hussain Kareem Mb.Ch.B.C.A.B.M.S. Urology.AL-Turath University, Iraq

Keywords:

Dental Prosthetic, Infection Control, Practice

Abstract

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital in dental clinics for safeguarding the health of practitioners, auxiliary staff, and patients by limiting the spread of contagious illnesses during treatment. To maintain a safe and hygienic clinical environment, dental professionals must have sufficient knowledge and consistently adhere to IPC guidelines. Disease transmission is an unavoidable hazard in dentistry, as numerous bacteria and viruses present potential threats to both dental students and clinical workers.

Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the prosthodontic clinic of Al-Turath University College of Dentistry, Baghdad, Iraq, from March 1 to May 1, 2026. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of three sections. The first section collected sociodemographic information. The second section assessed hepatitis B vaccination status, history of previous work-related injuries, attendance at infection control lectures or training sessions, and the availability of written infection control protocols in the training clinics. The third section assessed students' infection control practices.

Results: The study included 294 participants with a mean age of 20.8 ± 1.5 years. Most participants (79.3%) were third-year dental students. Overall, 62.9% of the students demonstrated good infection control practices. A statistically significant association was found between good infection control practices and both previous attendance at theoretical infection control lectures and the availability of written infection control protocols.

Conclusion: The dental students demonstrated generally good infection control practices. However, approximately three-quarters of the participants had not received hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, indicating the need to strengthen HBV vaccination coverage and reinforce infection control education among dental students.

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