KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HAND SANITATION AMONG THE DENTISTS IN CHENNAI CITY.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the practice of hand sanitation among the dentists in Chennai city. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude about hand sanitation among the dentist in Chennai city. Reason: One of the main part of infection control in dentistry is through proper hand sanitation method followed by the dentists. Hand sanitation reduces the risk of transmitting microorganisms, thus reduces the spreading of diseases. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge of dentists about the hand hygiene guidelines that were published by the centre of disease control and protection and their practice of the same. Materials and method: A cross sectional study was conducted in which 117 dentists, in which 67 were male and 50 were female practicing in Chennai city participated. A self-prepared questionnaire was sent to them and the results were collected and statistics were done. Results:Total of 117 dentists from chennai city participated in the study in which 67 were male and 50 were female. 41.9% were between the age group 30-50 years, 38.7% between the 23-30years and 19.4% were more than 50 years. 64.5% had a MDS degree and 35.5% had a BDS degree. 96.8% dentists agreed that hand sanitation plays an important role in infection control. 58.1% dentists only knew about the centres of disease control and prevention hand hygiene guidelines. 64.5% dentists feel that hand sanitisers harm their skin. 61.3% used plain soap for hand sanitation and only 16.1% used alcohol based hand sanitisers. Conclusion: It is important for the dentist to know the infection prevention guidelines, they have to increase their knowledge and also practice proper hand sanitation techniques.Education about proper hand sanitisation through camps, classes and workshops can be conducted. Dentists must encourage fellow dentists, patients and normal public to have proper hand sanitation techniques.