Attitude and compliance of dental assistants towards infection control: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective was to conduct a PDSA cycle on the infection control practices of dental assistants. The secondary objective of the study was to record the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of dental assistants regarding infection control practices.

Methodology: The 15 months (December 2022- February 2024) quasi-experimental study followed a PDSA cycle with a sample size of 22 selected via non-probability purposive sampling. During the Planning Phase, a proforma was developed, and evaluators were trained for data collection. In the Do Phase, two evaluators collected data anonymously over six days for eight weeks. Analysis in the Study Phase revealed compliance rates below 95%, prompting an educator reinforcement session in the Act Phase to improve compliance. Paired pre–post analysis was conducted for assistants with complete data (n=18). The McNemar test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention compliance, while a self-structured questionnaire was shared via Google Forms for the secondary objective.

Results: Twenty-two dental assistants were observed, with most infection control practices initially below 95%. After a reinforcement session, compliance improved, with significant gains in four practices. Sixteen participants achieved 100% compliance, and three showed statistically significant improvements (p = 0.002, 0.031, 0.003). Questionnaire responses showed 95.5% adherence to handwashing and infection control training, while 81.8% occasionally changed masks for new patients. Six assistants reported sharp injuries or exposure to body fluids in the past year.

Conclusions: The implementation of the PDSA cycle proved to be highly effective in improving infection control compliance among dental assistants. The compliance improved to 100% after the administration of the educational reinforcement session.