Investigation and analysis of bioaerosol prevention and control knowledge and practices among dental healthcare professionals
LUO Qiong
CHEN Yu-ling
ZHAO Xin
YE Li-yan
WANG Mei-feng
Abstract：AIM:To assess the current knowledge and practices related to bioaerosol-related awareness among dental healthcare personnel in Fuzhou,and to provide evidence for optimizing institutional infection control strategies.METHODS:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 313 dental healthcare personnel in Fuzhou using a self-developed questionnaire and convenience sampling.The questionnaire covered general information,knowledge of bioaerosols,training status,protective measures during splashing procedures,and post-treatment cleaning and disinfection practices after treatment.RESULTS:Among 313 respondents,289 individuals(92.33%)were aware of the characteristics of bioaerosols,and 242 individuals had received formal training on the subject(77.32%).Senior healthcare workers exhibited significantly higher bioaerosol knowledge(χ2=20.81,P＜0.001)and training rates(χ2=19.31,P＜0.001)than younger personnel.While overall knowledge of bioaerosol protection measures was satisfactory,knowledge regarding patient protection remained insufficient(Cochran's Q=20.963,P＜0.001).During splatter-generating procedures,288 individuals high-volume suction 92.01%and 309 individuals wore goggles or face shields 98.72%were widely used;however awareness of adjusting cooling water flow was limited.Personnel in periodontal and orthodontic reported significantly better protective measures compared to those in prosthodontic(χ2=15.22,P＜0.01).After treatment,most personnel performed hand hygiene after removing their face shields or goggles(293,93.93%)and disinfected the treatment unit surfaces(299,95.53%).Female healthcare workers had significantly higher hand hygiene compliance(96.59%)compared to males(83.67%)(χ2=11.03,P=0.001).CONCLUSION:Dental healthcare personnel in Fuzhou demonstrated strong adherence to bioaerosol protection practices.However,gaps remain in systematic training and patient protection awareness.Enhanced training programs and improved clinical protocols are recommended to further strengthen infection control efforts.
Keywords：bioaerosolsdental healthcare personnelprotective measuressurvey analysis
Publication Date：2025-06-28
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 348-355 )