Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Infection Control among Dental Surgery Technician Students in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Effective infection control protocols are imperative in dentistry to mitigate the risk of occupational and cross-infections, particularly among dental surgery technician students during their clinical rotations. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection control among Dental Surgery Technician students at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Dental Surgery Technician students using convenience sampling. Data were collected from February to May 2025 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 112 questionnaires were distributed, and all were returned, giving a response rate of 100%. Information was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics and on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding infection control. Knowledge scores were categorized as good, fair, or poor. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 21.00 ± 1.98 years, with most participants being female (83.9%) and in the preclinical phase of training (67.9%). Overall, 84.0% of respondents had good knowledge of infection control. Age (p = 0.007) and level of study (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with knowledge score. Attitudes toward infection control were generally positive, with clinical students demonstrating more favorable attitudes than preclinical students. Clinical students also reported significantly better practices in hand hygiene, glove use, surface disinfection, and sharps disposal (p < 0.05). Awareness of hepatitis B vaccination was comparatively low. Conclusion: Although infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices were generally satisfactory, targeted interventions—particularly early training and hepatitis B vaccination—are necessary to improve compliance, especially among preclinical students. Keywords: Infection control; Dental surgery technician students; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice