Awareness, Knowledge & Practice of Disinfection of Impressions, model casts, bite Blocks, Trial Dentures and Dental Prosthesis among Dental professionals in India - A Cross Sectional Descriptive Study

Aim: To assess the knowledge and practice of dental practitioners towards disinfection of dental impressions. Methodology: A questionnaire was sent to the general dental practitioners and dental professionals doing private clinics and at various dental colleges and universities of India. Result: The results of this study showed that the majority of dental health workers in India have adequate knowledge about the use of disinfecting agents, still there is need for the educational programs in this respect. Most of the participants did not have adequate knowledge regarding the methods used for the disinfection of various impression materials. The results of our survey showed that in most of the dental practices, washing the impressions under running water was a routine practice, even though the literature clearly states that this practice can leave a substantial load of microorganisms on impression surfaces. Conclusion: The present study showed that there was a lack of commitment to the standards of infection control practices in India. Hence, the Dental colleges in India should not only ensure that disinfection protocols are being followed routinely in each department but also train dental technicians and other dental auxiliary personnel in the proper techniques and reinforce the importance of following them.