Ashima Garg Sood1, Abhinav Sood. 1. Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research, Faridabad, India. drashimasood@gmail.com
Abstract
CONTEXT: Management of waste generated in any health-care facility is a critical issue as it poses a direct threat to human health as well as to the environment. The biomedical waste generated in the dental scenario includes sharps, used disposable items, infectious waste (blood-soaked cotton, gauze, etc.), hazardous waste (mercury, lead), and chemical waste (such as spent film developers, fixers, and disinfectants). A major concern in our field is management and disposal of mercury. AIMS: To obtain information about the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental institutions and dental practitioners in the disposal of waste. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A self-administered questionnaire, composed of 50 questions was designed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was distributed among the participants, chosen randomly, including dental students, faculty from dental colleges and private practitioners in and around Delhi, India. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The percentage response for each question from all the participants was obtained and the data was calculated. RESULTS: Many dentists have knowledge about the waste management but they lack in the attitude and practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for education regarding hazards associated with improper waste disposal at all levels of dental personnel. It is imperative that waste should be segregated and disposed off in a safe manner to protect the environment as well as human health.
CONTEXT: Management of waste generated in any health-care facility is a critical issue as it poses a direct threat to human health as well as to the environment. The biomedical waste generated in the dental scenario includes sharps, used disposable items, infectious waste (blood-soaked cotton, gauze, etc.), hazardous waste (mercury, lead), and chemical waste (such as spent film developers, fixers, and disinfectants). A major concern in our field is management and disposal of mercury. AIMS: To obtain information about the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental institutions and dental practitioners in the disposal of waste. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A self-administered questionnaire, composed of 50 questions was designed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was distributed among the participants, chosen randomly, including dental students, faculty from dental colleges and private practitioners in and around Delhi, India. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The percentage response for each question from all the participants was obtained and the data was calculated. RESULTS: Many dentists have knowledge about the waste management but they lack in the attitude and practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for education regarding hazards associated with improper waste disposal at all levels of dental personnel. It is imperative that waste should be segregated and disposed off in a safe manner to protect the environment as well as human health.
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