KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT DISINFECTION OF DENTAL BURS AMONG PRECLINICAL UNDERGRADUATES - A SURVEY STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A process that removes, kills or deactivates all forms of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, unicellular eukaryotic organisms and spores. Sterilization can be done through many ways, like heat, irradiation, high pressure, chemicals and filtration

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and knowledge about disinfection of dental burs among preclinical undergraduates.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:  This cross-sectional study is to assess the knowledge and awareness about disinfection of dental burs among preclinical undergraduates. A questionnaire containing 16 questions about disinfection of dental burs was prepared and was circulated among 1st year and 2nd year preclinical undergraduates of Saveetha Dental College.  The data was analysed by chi square test using SPSS software.

RESULTS: Out of 120 students who responded for the survey 44.2% of the participants are female and 55.8% of them are male. 48.3% of the participants are first-year students and 51.7% of the students are second year students. 16.67% of the participants responded that the purpose of sterilisation in dentistry is cleaning dental burs, 14.17% of the participants responded that it is a treatment in dentistry and 68.33% of them correctly responded that the purpose of sterilisation in dentistry is to break the chain of potential cross infection between patients.  The p value was  <0.05 and is statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Disinfection of dental burs is one of the most important practices that a dentist performs. Dental students must be aware about the knowledge and importance of disinfection of dental burs. The present study was conducted among the preclinical undergraduates and the study thus concluded that 2nd year students have adequate knowledge about disinfection of dental burs than first year students.