Objective:
Effective management of dental waste is the responsibility of dental practitioner for the safety of both the clinician and the patients. The aim of this study is to determine the current status of dental waste management in private dental clinics in Karachi.
Methodology:
A cross–sectional study was done in 5 districts of Karachi (Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi South, Karachi Centre, Malir) from 26th January to 26th April 2021 100 private dental practitioners were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. Ethical approval was taken from Ethical Review Board, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi. A pre-tested, 20 items questionnaire was used for recording data of the study participants, and their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding dental waste management. Inclusion criteria were both male and female dentists, above 25 years of age, who run dental clinics in 5 districts of Karachi.
Dental students were excluded. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.
Results:
79% of the participants were males and 21% were females. 68% belonged to the age group of 25-35 years. 51% had an experience of 10-20 years. 32% were using color-coded bins and 35% were following segregation methods for waste disposal. Only 16% had attended professional training programs for waste management.
Conclusion:
Waste management in dental clinics of Karachi is inadequate and improper. Government agencies should establish monitoring programs for all dental clinics and enforce the recommended regulations.
Key words: Dental waste management, Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), private dental practitioners
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