• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.675-683
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to verify the relations of COVID-19 infection-related knowledge, dental infection control performance, and psychosocial health of dental hygienists. Methods: From the data was analyzed through the frequency analysis, t-test, one way ANOVA, and pearson's correlation analysis with a total of 198 dental hygienists using SPSS Statistics 21.0. Results: The correct answer rate for knowledge about COVID-19 was higher with a bachelor's degree or higher. Thus, when the level of education was higher, the performance was also high (p<0.01). COVID-19 infection control performance was highly shown in case of high age (4.43) (p<0.05) and the married (4.42) (p<0.01). Infection control performance was high when they had an educational experience of COVID-19 infection control (4.46), and when the infection control guidebooks were equipped in their workplaces (p<0.001). Degree of psychosocial health of research subjects was shown in the order of potential stress (60.6%), high-risk stress (23.7%), and healthy (15.7%). Infection control performance was higher, the psychosocial health was healthy. Conclusions: For the response to COVID-19 infectious disease and the preparation for mutated viruses and new infectious diseases in the future, it would be necessary to establish the concrete measures for establishing the strict infection control system for dental clinics and also enhancing the psychosocial health of dental hygienists.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.27-37
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• 2020

This study investigated the relationship between knowledge of COVID-19, the risk of exposure to subjective infectious diseases, and the degree of infection control practices for dental personnel. For dental personnel currently working in dentistry, a survey consisting of 10 questions about COVID-19 knowledge and 63 questions about infection control practices was conducted. This study analyzed 126 survey data collected by distributing questionnaires form May 30 to June 20, 2020. Data was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. The average level of knowledge of COVID-19 was 5.44 out of 10, the average risk of exposure to infectious diseases was 3.86 out of 5, and the average level of infection control practices was 4.05 out of 5. The risk of exposure to infectious diseases was positively correlated with dental waste (r=.184). It was found that there was a significant positive correlation between infection control practices and sub-factors of infection control practices (p<0.001). To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and infectious diseases and to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases for dental personnel, the practice of infection control should be improved. It is necessary to cultivate infection control experts and have mandatory infection control education and social regulations.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.73-88
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• 2009

The purpose of the study was to provide the basic for the prevention of infection control by analyzing the level of recognition and practice of dental hygiene students. It is important for dental clinic staffs to know and practice infection control measures in favor of effective infection control. Thus, this study conducted an one-month questionnaire survey (during October 2008) for dental hygiene students who ever experienced in 16-week clinical practice, and analyzed total 206 questionnaire forms as collected from them, so that it could determine potential associations between their recognition and practice of infection control and thereby suggest an efficient solution for infection control in dental hygiene. 1. It was found that our students' recognition about infection control averaged $4.49{\pm}.58$ points on the whole, and they were best aware of instrumental disinfection and sterilization among other measures, which was followed by hand washing, extirpation control, post-sterilization management, personal protective outfit and instrumental surface maintenance respectively. 2. It was found that our students' practice of infection control averaged $3.85{\pm}.57$ points on the whole, and they practiced hand washing most actively among other measures, which was followed by extirpation control, post-sterilization management, instrumental disinfection and sterilization, personal protective outfit and instrumental surface maintenance respectively. 3. It was found that our students scored higher mean points in recognition about every measure of infection control than those in practice (t=15.676, p=0.000). Particularly, it was notable that there were significant differences between their mean points in recognition and practice of some infection control measures, such as instrumental surface maintenance (t=15.361, p=0.000), personal protective outfit (t=15.245, p=0.000) and instrumental disinfection and sterilization (t=11.169, p=0.000). But there was least significant difference between mean points in recognition and practice of hand washing (t=5.460, p=0.000). 4. For potential associations between recognition and practice of infection control, it was found that higher recognition was in significantly positive associations with higher practice in every measure of infection control (r=.478, p=.000), such as extirpation control (r=.630, p=.000), instrumental disinfection and sterilization (r=.477, p=.000) and post-sterilization management (r=.433, p=.000). 5. It was found that there were differences in our students' recognition depending upon availability of infection control guideline (t=4.587, p=.011), and there were significant differences in practice depending on necessity of infection control education on a statistical basis (t=2.229, p=.027). Overall, it is found that our dental hygiene students are very likely to practice hand washing and extirpation control, because both of these measures are relatively easy to practice or are considered legally binding.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

Background: Students in the department of dental hygiene are exposed to injections and sharp instruments during clinical practice. Therefore, it is necessary to develop measures for a safe practice environment. This study aimed to investigate dental stabbing accidents caused by dental instruments during clinical practice among students in the department of dental hygiene and suggest appropriate preventative measures. Methods: This study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2016, with students in the department of dental hygiene located at several universities in Seoul and Gyeonggi area. The study included 339 participants. A frequency analysis was performed to determine the general characteristics of dental infection control. A cross-analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between dental infection control education, stabbing accident prevention education, and treatment after stabbing accidents with a dental instrument. Results: Among the participants, 81.1% received dental infection control education and 66.4% received stabbing accident prevention education. Only 50.9% received hepatitis B vaccinations. Conclusion: Dental infection control education and stabbing accident prevention education were shown to be effective in preventing dental instrument stabbing in students. However, post-accident processing, such as reporting to upper management and medical treatment after the accident, was insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to present a treatment flowchart for dealing with stab accidents in clinical practice for students in the department of dental hygiene and strengthen education.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.255-268
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• 2010

Objectives : In the field of dental hygiene, infections pose a serious problem. This issue has left many patients and dental staff exposed to microbes with potentially far-reaching effects. The purpose of this study was to find solutions which could improve Dental health policies and promote improved methods for the control of infections. This survey was conducted between March 3, 2008 and March 30, 2008, in the metropolitan area. The research was carried out in dental clinics and dental hygienists were surveyed through a questionnaire. Methods : Collected data was examined using the SPSS 14.0 program, using frequency, mean and standard deviation analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe's test and Duncan's test. Further analysis was given using Logistic Regression. Results : The Performance of Infection Control by dental hygienists in Dental Clinics was shown at $2.96{\pm}0.42$. Disinfection, sterilization and the wearing of masks is high at $3.65{\pm}0.64$, $3.64{\pm}0.65$. The perception of the importance of infection control is higher among dental hygienists than dentists. Of the dental hygienists surveyed, 83.9% were exposed to at least one accident while at work. Age and years of experience were important in relation to infection control practices. The rate of infections and the number of accidents experienced related to the dental hygienists performance of infection control. The performance of infection control is influenced by the dental hygienists own perceptions, and the perceptions of their dentists. The dental hygienist's working conditions and their beliefs related to infection control were shown to influence their performance of infection control practices. Conclusion : At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that systematic refresher training of infection control should be delivered through further education and various media. Dental health care workers should be encouraged to practice these action items presented in the training. For successful implementation of infection control in every dental health-care setting, it is highly demanded that effective safe-guard tools, strategic support and standardized action items against infection problems are developed.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.953-961
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the infection control practice and performance study on knowledge of dental hygienist between their knowledge and general characteristics. Methods : The subjects in this study are 305 dental hygienists who received local in-service education on December 10, 2011 and February 28, 2012. Results : The infection prevention knowledge and performance are higher as work experience is more (p<.05), as the education level is higher and when they have undergone in-service education (p<.001). Also these are higher when they are working in the dentist at the present (p<.001). The infection prevention practice are different with respect to ages (p<.01), work experience (p<.001), and the highest level of education (p<.01). There are correlations between the infection control practices and knowledge, performance and knowledge. As the practice level is higher, it is shown that the performance is higher (r=.049, p=.01). Conclusions : It would be necessary to develop the systematic and continuous program in infection control education and to build system which makes in-service training for dental hygienists mandatory. These could improve the level of infection prevention knowledge, practice and performance of dental hygienists to prevent the exposure to infection of the people.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.313-319
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• 2016

Objectives: The objective of the study was to infection control by analyzing the influence of working environment on infection control activities in the dental hygienists. Methods: The cross-sectional study was based on a survey on a total of 377 dental hygienists working in dental settings. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of general characteristics and infection control activities. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS for Windows version 20.0, and p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Predictive powers(=Adjusted $R^2$ of the investigated factors such as operation room, sterilization disinfection laundry, dental unit waterline, staff individual, infection control system, personal protective equipment, medical waste, hand hygiene, oral surgical procedures, clinical contact surfaces were adjusted $R^2=0.394$, 0.306, 0.277, 0.244, 0.241, 0.177, 0.165,, 0.154, 0.134, 0.124 respectively. Conclusions: In order to enhance infection control activities, the program development and implementation for the aseptic procedure is very important. The program should include periodic reinforcement of infection control education and regular monitoring of infection control activities.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.329-336
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• 2020

The study investigated the perception and experience of infection control targeting dental users. During July-August 2020, 198 adults over the age of 20 were surveyed on general characteristics, infection control awareness and experience, and improvement. Analysis was performed using PASW Statistics ver 18.0. The research results, 91% of dental users recognized that infection control was important. In the recognition of infection control were highly investigated oral treatment equipment sterilization, hand hygiene and glove replacement before and after treatment by dental staff. And dental users was relatively low the replacement of disposable gowns and safety glasses for each patient by medical staff. The dental staff are doing well in personal protection and instrument sterilization. Surface disinfection and water quality management needed improvement. It was meaningful to suggest improvement in infection control based on the perception and experience from the perspective of dental users. It is expected to be used as basic data necessary for high-quality medical services through infection control in dental medical institutions.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.399-406
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of dental infection control. This survey was performed on 158 of the dental hygienist in certain areas. The research was performed using a self-reported questionnaire and interview method from June to July, 2014. The collected data was analyzed by PASW Statistics ver. 18.0. Guideline of infection management, infection controller, regular infection control training, Sterilization of the handpiece/per head resulted 57~74% for dental hospital. It was higher than 13~20% for dental clinics (p<0.05). Infection control guidelines and vaccination recognition of dental were more performed in dental hospital. Patient's hand hygiene performed, tooth brushing before treatment, cross infection educational experience was less than 20%, research cooperation of medical history was over 90% (p<0.05). Performing rate of the dental hospital workers were investigated higher in protective personal devices, infection control of treatment room. A correlation analysis about institutional support, infection control of dental hygienists, patients with infection control cooperation showed a positive correlation statistically significant. Infection control can be enhanced when the medical staff, the patient, the organization combined cognitive and practice. Dental hygienist is required to recognize and practice the infection control guidelines through continuing education.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.171-179
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• 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the association between knowledge of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), perception of infection control and practice of infection control among dental hygienists. The questionnaires consisted of 9 demographic questions, 10 questions about COVID-19 knowledge, and 36 questions about perception and practice of infection control. The study analyzed 120 participants' data gathered from May 1 to May 31, 2021. For data analysis, T-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used. As a result, COVID-19 knowledge was 6.59 out of 10, the perception of infection control was 3.57 out of 4 and the practice of infection control was 3.55 out of 4. The COVID-19 knowledge(r=0.485) and perception of infection control(r=0.614) were significantly positively related to practice of infection control. To improve the practice of infection control in the dental field, education of infection control should be mandatory for dental hygienists. Also, the practice of infection control following "Dental Infection Control Standard Policy & Procedure" must be mandatory.