ASSESSMENT OF DENTAL MALPRACTICE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN NABLUS GOVERNORATE
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Date
2025-05-07
Authors
Ghanem, Haitham Fawzi
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Infectious diseases pose significant health risks globally, and dental clinics are not exempt from these challenges. Inadequate infection control practices continue to pose significant health risks. This study aims to identify malpractices within dental clinics in the city of Nablus.
Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was used in the current study on 90 dentists and 120 patients, who visited dental clinics during March 2024. The sampling technique was convenience. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The study was conducted in all dental clinics in the city of Nablus.
Results: The results indicated that (84.4%) of the dentists received hepatitis B vaccine. Also, 73.3% of dentists were tested for hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). About 10.0% of participants monitored the health of employees and ensured that there was no infection. Nearly, 97.8% of dentists wear face masks while working and 35.6% reported change their face masks when treating each patient. Almost, 92.2% of dentists indicated that they wear gloves during treatment procedures and 91.1% of reported changing gloves. Only 23.3% of dentists used eye or face protection. While 76.7% indicated that they don’t use eye or face protection tools. About, 75.6% of dentists reuse the carpule on another patient, while only 24.4% dispose of the cartridge after one use. The results also indicated that 66.0% of patients have knowledge and awareness about medical practices in dental clinics.
Conclusions: The results highlighted how critical it is to improve training, enforce stricter infection control guidelines, and conduct routine monitoring in order to reduce these risks. In order to raise infection control standards and guarantee patient safety in dentistry clinics in Nablus, policymakers and healthcare professionals can implement the practical recommendations reported in this study.