Beyond the Needle: Knowledge of Blood-Borne Infection Transmission and Prevention Among Dental Students-A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Aim: Dental practice involves continuous exposure to saliva and blood, creating persistent opportunities for cross-infection if contaminated instruments are not processed correctly. This study aimed to evaluate dental students' knowledge regarding blood-borne infections and infection prevention measures, and to compare knowledge levels according to academic year and sex.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A structured questionnaire consisting of 21 single-best-answer questions was administered to 93 undergraduate dental students (Years I-VI) from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge related to instrument classification, cleaning and disinfection procedures, sterilization parameters, autoclave monitoring tests, and storage conditions. Demographic data were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 31, and associations between responses and demographic variables were assessed using chi-square tests. Associations between responses and demographic variables (academic year and sex) were evaluated using chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Most participants correctly identified several key steps in the instrument processing circuit, including the use of high-level disinfectant-detergent solutions (88.2%) and the need for disinfection followed by sterilization (76.3%). However, important knowledge gaps were identified regarding autoclave pre-use checks, correct sterilization temperatures and exposure times, recommended sterile storage periods, and the interpretation of sterilization monitoring tools such as type 5 chemical integrators, Bowie-Dick tests, and Helix tests. Knowledge levels differed significantly according to academic year (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although overall awareness of instrument processing procedures among dental students was generally satisfactory, several inconsistencies were observed in critical technical aspects of sterilization and monitoring. These findings highlight the need for strengthened infection control education and repeated practical training to reduce the risk of cross-infection in dental practice.