Dental Perspective on Biomedical Waste and Management – A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey: A Cross-sectional Study

Title: “DENTAL PERSPECTIVE ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE AND MANAGEMENT, A KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE SURVEY: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY”.     Abstract:   Background: The Biomedical waste is known as the second dangerous waste in the world that needs to be properly managed. Since the implementation of the biomedical Waste Management Rules 1998, every concerned health personnel is expected to have proper knowledge, practice and capacity to guide others for waste collection and management, and proper handling techniques. Objective: This study was planned to evaluate the practical calibration and awareness of Dental surgeons in disposal of hazardous biomedical waste generated during Dental treatment into color coded disposing bags at a Dental clinics. Methods: A cross-sectional, a pretested, semi structured questionnaire based survey containing 53 questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on biomedical waste management among Dental surgeons. Results were expressed as a number and percentage of respondents for each question and Chi-square test was performed for inferential statistical analysis with p value <0.05 indicating level of significance. Results: Results show that a large percentage of the Dentist were not aware of the process of biomedical waste management (89%) whereas about half of the subjects were moderate to slightly aware about the recycling/reusing of Dental materials. Conclusion: The study revealed that knowledge, attitude and practice regarding biomedical waste management among were low. Periodical sensitization and training program should be conducted for health care providers.