Abstract
Background:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an essential component of safe dental practice because dental procedures
frequently involve exposure to blood, saliva, body fluids, and aerosols, creating potential risks for transmission of infectious
diseases. Dental surgeons therefore require adequate knowledge, appropriate attitudes, and consistent IPC practices to
protect both patients and healthcare workers. However, evidence regarding IPC among dental surgeons working in private
dental clinics in Sri Lanka is limited.
Objective:
To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental surgeons towards infection prevention and control in
selected private dental clinics in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka, and to identify factors associated with these domains.
Methods:
A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental surgeons practising in selected private
dental clinics in the Colombo District. Sri Lanka Medical Council-registered dental surgeons with at least one year of
experience in private dental practice were eligible for participation. Data were collected using a structured self-administered
questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and IPC practices. Ninety dental surgeons
were invited to participate, of whom 65 responded, giving a response rate of 72.2%. Data were analysed using the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and
knowledge, attitude, and practice scores, while associations between selected characteristics and IPC domains were assessed
using appropriate statistical tests.