Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Biomedical Waste Management among Dentists

  • Priya Ramani Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,
  • V R Nithya Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • B Sreeja Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Beno Gershon Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Biomedical waste, Lead, Scrap amalgam, Waste disposal

Abstract

Background: With increase in number of dental clinics every year, biomedical waste (BMW) production increases accordingly.
Management of these wastes is a major part of clinical practice.
Aim and Objective: The objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of BMW management among
dental students and practitioners.
Materials and Methods: This study involved 105 participants from undergraduates to private practitioners. The self-structured
questionnaire survey comprised 30 questions and it was conducted online. The data collected were transferred to version 20
SPSS software for statistical analysis.
Results: This study shows that about 60–80% of participants were aware of different categories of waste segregation, steps
in waste disposal and they also practice it. Around 70% of them practice the correct method for mercury disposal and 84% in
disposal of sharp needles. The major concern is about radiological waste disposal. Only 34% knew about desilvering of fixer
solution and 24% about recycling lead. More than 80% of the participants propose for proper training of the staffs handling
BMWs.
Conclusion: In this study, the postgraduates and interns had more awareness compared to the undergraduate students. There
is a lot of inadequacy in knowledge and practice which can be rectified from proper education and training at their early days
of clinical practice.

Author Biographies

Priya Ramani, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,

Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology

V R Nithya, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Post Graduate Student, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology

B Sreeja, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Intern Trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology

Beno Gershon, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Intern Trainee, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology

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Published
2021-10-01
Section
Original Articles