Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Dental Surgeons about Dental Waste Management in Dental Clinics of Karachi

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the contemporary situation of dental waste management in private dental practices in Karachi. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done in 5 districts of Karachi (East, West, South, Centre, Malir) from 26th January to 26th April 2021. Total 100 private dental practitioners were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. A pretested, 20 items questionnaire was used for recording data of the research participants, and their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of managing dental waste. Inclusion criteria was both male and female dentists, above 25 years of age, who run dental clinics in 5 districts of Karachi. Dental students were excluded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17. 00 RESULTS: Total 79% of the participants were males and 21% were females. Approximately 68% belonged to the age group of 25-35 years. Total 51% had an experience of 10-20 years and32% were using colour coded bins while 35% were following segregation methods for waste disposal. Only 16% had attended professional training programs for waste management. CONCLUSION: Waste management in dental clinics in Karachi is inadequate and improper. The government should enact monitoring of all dental practices, enforcing the recommended regulations. KEYWORDS: Dental waste management, Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), private dental practitioners