A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Survey on Air Infection Control among Romanian People.

(1) Background: Infection control should be one of the main objectives in the comprehensive medical approach. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June-July 2022. A questionnaire including 22 questions with multiple answers was applied online to 202 subjects selected at random. The questionnaire collected data on the subjects' knowledge about protective measures against airborne infections. For this study, a descriptive statistic was performed. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for data comparison. (3) Results: Only 61.39% (124) of the subjects consider that protective equipment is mandatory for the dental team, 40.10% (81) know to a very large extent and 44.06% (89) to a large extent that when talking, a respiratory infection can be transmitted. A rather large percentage of the subjects take into account the cost of the protective mask to a very large extent 39.60% (80). Only 30.20% (61) of the subjects would vaccinate to a very large extent and 24.75% (50) to a large extent against micro-organisms transmitted by air p > 0.05. (4) Conclusions: Most people know the aspects related to air decontamination, the priority being the promotion of control methods of airborne infections, and it is necessary to improve the level of knowledge on a large scale within the population.

A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Survey on Blood-Borne Infection Control among Romanian Dental Students.

Background and Objectives: According to the CDC estimates, 5.6 million healthcare workers worldwide are exposed to the risk of occupationally contracting blood-borne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge level on blood-borne infection control (IC) among Romanian undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey with 21 items was conducted from May 2022 to June 2022. The study had α = 0.620 and Cronbach's Alpha = 0.660. The Chi-square test was used for data comparison. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study sample included 207 subjects with a mean age of 21.38 (±1.9) years, 59.9% F (female), 40.1% M (male), 38.2% students from year II and 61.8% from year III. Most of the subjects did not have knowledge on the indirect mode of IC, the persistence of HBV, HCV, or HIV, or the existence of rapid tests (p < 0.05). PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) was known as follows: HBV, 32.36% (67); HCV, 25.60% (53); and HIV, 36.71% (76); p < 0.05. Only 50.24% (104) had knowledge on the recommended testing moments (p = 0.019 by gender, p = 0.752 by year of study). The optimal time to access PEP was considered by 28.01% (58), p ˃ 0.05. Only 37.68% (78) strongly agreed that the one-hand covering technique of the needle was efficient in IC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The evaluation of the knowledge regarding IC highlighted major gaps in the perception of the subjects, which underlined the need to implement sustained forms of continuing medical education on this topic.

Xylitol Fluoride Varnish: In Vitro Effect Analysis on Enamel by Atomic Force Microscopy.

(1) Background: Numerous studies have shown the beneficial role of fluoride in the primary prevention of dental caries. The aim of the present study was to put into evidence the change in the enamel structure immediately after the application of a fluoride varnish. (2) Methods: A xylitol−fluoride varnish was evaluated. The enamel specimens (n = 10) were analyzed by atomic force microscopy on enamel surface and treatment with fluoride varnish applied. The dimensional topographic analysis was performed by 2D and 3D analysis software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.00 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). A one-sample statistics test was used to identify significant differences (p < 0.05). (3) Results: Surface roughness (Ra) measurements ranged from Ra = 0.039 µm (±0.048), to Ra = 0.049 µm (±0.031), respectively (p < 0.05), with an increase in the surface roughness passing from the intact enamel to the enamel exposed to fluoride varnish. When comparing Ra values of the nonfluorinated enamel and fluorinated enamel, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found, suggesting that the varnish had a protective effect on the enamel surface. (4) Conclusions: Xylitol−fluoride varnish, even in one single short-time application, is effective in reducing the surface roughness of enamel structure exposed to abrasion, thus increasing resistance to dental caries.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Hand Hygiene Technique with Hydroalcoholic Solution by Image Color Summarize.

Background and Objectives: The HH (hand hygiene) technique is relatively simple. Even so, in practice there are still non-conformities regarding this aspect. Lack of knowledge or lack of compliance can be reasons for non-adherence with HH techniques. In this context, the purpose of this study was to follow the realization of the hand-washing technique with hydroalcoholic solution, applied before and after receiving the HH recommendations. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to June 2022. Students from a second year dental medicine class teaching in French 2021/22 "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi were included in the study. The approval of the ethics commission was received: No. 184/05.05.2022. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, HH was performed without any recommendation. In the second stage, the antiseptic hand rubbing technique was presented following the WHO recommendations. The fluorescent Fluo-Add solution, Wood lamp for dermatology (4 × 5.5 W ultraviolet tubes with a wavelength of 360 nm), and photo camera were used. Subjects performed their HH movement before and after receiving instructions according to WHO. Images were initially taken from the backhand and palm and were finally analyzed with Image Color Summarizer. The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U Test, t-test paired samples using IBM-SPSS version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After analyzing the images, there were 70 subjects, 45.7% (32) female and 54.33% (38) male. Final average covered area of backhand was 60.89% (±17.17), 28.84:86.11, compared to 52.07% (±17.04), 9:85.23. Final average covered area for palm was 69.91% (±13.5), 31.61:93.41 compared to 59.74% (±16.64), 26.13:92.72. No statistical significance was obtained by gender. Conclusions: The study showed an improvement in hand hygiene technique without highlighting gender differences.

Knowledge Level on Infection Control among Romanian Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students.

Background and Objectives: Infection control practices in dentistry should be continuously evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge of dental students from Iași, Romania about infection control in the dental office. Materials and Methods: Dental students and resident dentists attending the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași were randomly selected in accordance with ethical guidelines, and a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online study was conducted. The questionnaire included 21 items about infection control in dentistry. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the chi-square test was used for data comparison, with a cutoff point of 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The study sample included 150 subjects (75.3% female and 24.7% male) with a mean age of 25.71 ± 4.54 years. Mode of infection transmission was known by 74% of the subjects, and 76% were aware of standard precautions, with significant differences by the year of study (p = 0.012, r = 0.002). A percentage of 20% of subjects knew the means of transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) (p = 0.032, r = 0.166). Most of the subjects were not vaccinated against HBV (p = 0.002, r = -0.274). Notions of high-level disinfection and sterilization were confused by 19.5% of the subjects. Only 22% of the subjects knew the correct processing of handpieces (p = 0.048, r = -0.071). The sources of information were diverse for 64.66% of the respondents, while 31.33% of them used courses and seminars only. Conclusions: There is a need for improvement in the level of knowledge on infection control for both dental students and residents.

Title Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Knowledge and Attitudes on Oral Hygiene of Romanian Students.

Background and Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate students' level of knowledge and attitude towards oral hygiene. Materials and Methods: the evaluation was carried out by a questionnaire, with 30 Q (questions) as follows: demographic data (Q1-Q5), oral hygiene knowledge data (Q6-Q23) and oral hygiene attitude data (Q24-Q30). The study included students from Romanian schools and the selection of the study group was made following selection criteria in accordance with ethical issues. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and a value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: the study included a number of 718 subjects with a mean age of 14.54 (±2.22), male 250 (34.8%) and female 468 (65.2%), MS (middle school students) 354 (49.4%) and HH (high school students) 364 (50.6%). Most of the subjects 292 (MS = 160; HS = 132) know a toothbrushing technique, p = 0.009, r = 0.091 and 587 (MS = 278; HS = 309) know that brushing removes the bacterial plaque p = 0.027, r = -0.082 but only 147 (MS = 71; HS = 76) know that (by) brushing can re-mineralize hard dental structures. The duration of the toothbrushing is variable, for 2- or 3-min p = 0.058, r = 0.043. Criteria for choosing the toothbrush were based mainly on the indications of the dentist, respectively, for toothpaste on its properties. The frequency of toothbrushing is mainly twice a day 428 (MS = 234; HS = 248), p = 0.079, r = 0.037, 73 (MS = 33; HS = 40) after every meal. p = 0.099, r = 0.095. Mouthwash is used by 421 (MS = 199; HS = 222) p = 0.111, r = -0.048, and 228 (MS = 199; HS = 222) after each brushing. Dental floss is used by 240 (MS = 106; HS = 134), p = 0.031, r = -0.073 and only 74 (MS = 41; HS = 33) after each brushing. Conclusions: there are differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding the determinants of oral hygiene depending on the level of education.

Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Knowledge on Hand Hygiene in a Pandemic Context with SARS-CoV-2.

Background and Objectives: The basis of any infection control program is hand hygiene (HH). The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge of HH among medical students. Materials and Methods: Students were randomly selected from two Romanian universities and a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between January and May 2021. The answers regarding demographic data and knowledge concerning the methods, the time and the antiseptics used for HH were collected. The selection of the study group was made according to selection criteria in accordance with ethical issues. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and a chi-square test was used for data comparison, with a cut-off point of 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The results indicated that the attitude of the students towards the practice of HH improved significantly. Most students believe that simple HH can control infections. Significant differences were found by the year of study in terms of the hand surfaces included and recommended duration (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the study shows that most respondents have sufficient knowledge on HH, meaning that a higher compliance is required to control infections. The indicated reasons of non-compliance with HH are emergencies and other priorities.