EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFECTION CONTROL IN DENTAL CLINIC(A CASE STUDY OF GENERAL HOSPITAL,EKPAN, UVWIE LGA, DELTA STATE)
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EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFECTION CONTROL IN DENTAL CLINIC(A CASE STUDY OF GENERAL HOSPITAL,EKPAN, UVWIE LGA, DELTA STATE)
Abstract
Infection control is a critical component of dental practice, aimed at preventing the transmission of infectious agents between patients, dental personnel, and the clinical environment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of infection control practices in the dental clinic of General Hospital, Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. The objectives were to assess the level of compliance with standard infection control protocols, identify factors influencing adherence, and determine the knowledge and attitudes of dental staff towards infection prevention. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and observational checklists from dental practitioners, assistants, and other clinical staff. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings revealed that while the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of infection control measures such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and sterilization of instruments, gaps were noted in consistent application, especially in areas like surface disinfection, waste segregation, and maintenance of sterilization logs. Key barriers to effective infection control included inadequate supply of PPE, workload pressure, and inconsistent supervision. The study established a moderate level of compliance with standard infection control protocols, indicating a need for continuous training, regular monitoring, and provision of adequate materials and infrastructure.
The study concluded that improving infection control effectiveness requires institutional commitment, periodic refresher courses, and enforcement of compliance policies. It is recommended that the hospital management strengthens infection prevention committees and ensures consistent availability of necessary resources to safeguard both patients and healthcare workers.
Keywords: Infection control, Dental clinic, Compliance, Sterilization, General Hospital Ekpan, Delta State.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Infection control in dental practice is a fundamental aspect of patient and practitioner safety. Dental clinics are high-risk environments for cross-infection due to frequent exposure to blood, saliva, aerosols, and contaminated instruments (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). Effective infection control involves a series of preventive measures designed to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious agents among patients, dental health professionals, and the community (Kohn et al., 2003).
Dental procedures often involve contact with oral mucosa and bodily fluids, making the risk of infection transmission through bacteria, viruses, and fungi significant (Szymanska, 2005). Infectious diseases such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, and herpes simplex virus can easily spread in dental settings if proper control measures are not maintained (Cleveland et al., 2016).
Globally, infection prevention and control (IPC) have been prioritized in healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) emphasizes that adherence to IPC protocols reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensures a safe clinical environment. In Nigeria, studies have shown that infection control practices in dental clinics are often suboptimal due to inadequate resources, lack of training, and non-compliance with standard guidelines (Amoran & Onwube, 2013; Bello et al., 2018).
At the General Hospital, Ekpan, dental practitioners are expected to adhere strictly to infection control standards such as instrument sterilization, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, waste management, and disinfection of surfaces and dental units. Evaluating the effectiveness of these measures is crucial in identifying potential gaps and improving overall infection prevention performance.
Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control practices in the Dental Clinic of General Hospital, Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, to determine the extent to which standard infection control guidelines are being implemented and maintained.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of infection control guidelines, evidence of poor compliance among dental health workers continues to be reported in developing countries, including Nigeria (Okechukwu et al., 2020). Factors such as inadequate training, lack of equipment, and poor monitoring systems contribute to this situation. In many dental clinics, reusable instruments are sometimes improperly sterilized, PPEs are inconsistently used, and hand hygiene practices are suboptimal (Aguwa et al., 2015).
At General Hospital, Ekpan, anecdotal reports suggest lapses in infection control implementation, particularly regarding sterilization techniques, waste segregation, and surface disinfection. Such lapses can increase the risk of cross-contamination and transmission of infectious diseases between patients and staff (CDC, 2016).
Hence, there is a critical need to evaluate the current infection control practices in the Dental Clinic at General Hospital, Ekpan, to determine whether the protocols in place are effective, identify barriers to compliance, and recommend strategies for improvement.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control in the Dental Clinic of General Hospital, Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, Delta State.
Specific Objectives:
To assess the level of compliance of dental staff with infection control protocols.
To determine the availability and adequacy of infection control materials and equipment in the clinic.
To examine the knowledge and attitudes of dental health personnel toward infection prevention and control.
To identify challenges or barriers affecting effective implementation of infection control measures.
To make recommendations for improving infection control practices in the dental clinic.
1.4 Research Questions
The study seeks to answer the following questions:
What is the level of compliance of dental staff with infection control protocols in General Hospital, Ekpan?
Are infection control materials and equipment adequately available and functional in the dental clinic?
What is the knowledge and attitude of dental health workers toward infection prevention?
What are the major challenges affecting infection control implementation in the clinic?
What strategies can improve infection control practices among dental staff?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in several ways:
For Healthcare Practitioners:
The study provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing infection control practices, encouraging compliance with standard protocols and promoting patient safety.
For Hospital Management:
Findings will help administrators at General Hospital, Ekpan, identify resource gaps and develop strategies to enhance infection control efficiency, thereby reducing healthcare-associated infections.
For Policymakers and Public Health Authorities:
The results will inform policy development and training programs aimed at improving infection prevention practices in dental settings across Delta State and Nigeria.
For Academic Purposes:
The study contributes to existing literature on infection control in dental practice and serves as a reference for future researchers in the field of oral health and hospital infection control.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on the Dental Clinic at General Hospital, Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. It assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental staff regarding infection control and evaluates the availability and effectiveness of infection prevention materials and procedures. The scope does not extend to other departments or hospitals outside Ekpan.
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