Knowledge and attitude of endodontic postgraduate students toward sterilization of endodontic files: A cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Arun Aslam, Venugopal Panuganti, Jyothi Kashi Nanjundasetty, Mythri Halappa, Vaddi Hari Krishna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: Saudi Endodontic Journal
• Subjects: Endodontic; endodontic files; infection control; post graduate; sterilization
• Online Access: http://www.saudiendodj.com//article.asp?issn=1658-5984;year=2014;volume=4;issue=1;spage=18;epage=22;aulast=Aslam

Aim: With the whole world looking at the eradication of existing infectious diseases and preventing any new infections, sterilization of instruments is significant to ensure optimal patient care. Infection preventions and controls are the most important components for providing a safe environment for patients and staff within a dental practice. Hence, the objective was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the sterilization of endodontic files by the postgraduate (PG) students from the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at dental colleges in Bangalore. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among PG students of Conservative and Endodontics in Bangalore using a pretested questionnaire. Results: A total of 88% accepted endodontic files need to be sterilized and 60% reported that endodontic instruments can be used four or more times, but 44% practiced it. Interestingly, 74% reported that dental assistants are not trained for sterilization protocols. Conclusion : The study shows that although there is high knowledge and positive attitude regarding sterilization of endodontic files, but it is seldom practiced creating lacunae in motivation. To bridge this gap, frequent reinforcement is needed in the critical area of sterilization.