# Evaluation of Infection Control Practices and Washing Hand Behaviours in Dental Hygiene Students

## TL;DR

This study examines dental hygiene students' infection control knowledge and handwashing habits, finding high awareness of handwashing but low awareness of other infection control methods.

## Contribution

The study identifies workload and inadequate facilities as barriers to proper handwashing among dental hygiene students.

## Key findings

- Students showed high awareness of handwashing but low awareness of other infection control methods.
- Lack of time, forgetfulness, and inadequate handwashing areas were the main reasons for not washing hands.
- Improving education, workload management, and facilities can enhance infection control practices.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioural habits, basic knowledge and handwashing habits of dental hygiene students regarding infection control procedures.

60 dental hygiene students answered 26 questions and one open-ended question on infection control procedures between May and June 2023. The questions were designed to assess dental hygiene students’ attitudes about infection control protocols and handwashing practices.

According to the results of the questionnaire, it was observed that students had a high awareness of the necessity of handwashing but a low awareness of other infection control methods. The main reasons for not washing hands were found to be lack of time and forgetfulness due to workload and lack of adequate handwashing areas.

Conclusions: Providing adequate protective equipment, reducing the high workload that may cause forgetfulness and reducing physical deficiencies such as increasing the number of handwashing units are measures that can increase washes. It is important to increase the level of education and knowledge of healthcare professionals in line with current information on handwashing and infection prevention procedures.