Authors : Shammi Nilesh Abeywickrama; Dr. Sudath Dharmarathne

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/35s95fdp

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug1423

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an essential component of safe dental practice because dental procedures frequently involve exposure to blood, saliva, body fluids, and aerosols, creating potential risks for transmission of infectious diseases. Dental surgeons therefore require adequate knowledge, appropriate attitudes, and consistent IPC practices to protect both patients and healthcare workers. However, evidence regarding IPC among dental surgeons working in private dental clinics in Sri Lanka is limited.  Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental surgeons towards infection prevention and control in selected private dental clinics in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka, and to identify factors associated with these domains.  Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental surgeons practising in selected private dental clinics in the Colombo District. Sri Lanka Medical Council-registered dental surgeons with at least one year of experience in private dental practice were eligible for participation. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and IPC practices. Ninety dental surgeons were invited to participate, of whom 65 responded, giving a response rate of 72.2%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice scores, while associations between selected characteristics and IPC domains were assessed using appropriate statistical tests.

Keywords : Infection Prevention and Control; Dental Surgeons; Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Private Dental Clinics; Sri Lanka; Colombo District.

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