Özlem Seçkin KELTEN, Öznur Küçük KELEŞ
Health Sciences Quarterly - 2026;6(4):891-905
This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study aimed to evaluate awareness, perceptions, and infection control practices regarding blood- and saliva-borne infections among dental professionals and to identify factors associated with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) use. A total of 208 dental professionals working in oral and dental health centers, university hospitals, private polyclinics, and private practices were included. Data were collected using a 17-item online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, perceived knowledge of infections, sterilization and disinfection practices, PPE use, occupational exposure history, and post-exposure health-seeking behavior. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, and independent predictors of adequate PPE use were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis with the backward Wald method. Overall, 83.2% of participants reported sufficient knowledge regarding blood- and saliva-borne infections, whereas only 63.9% reported adequate PPE use during treatment. Perceived knowledge level was significantly associated with professional experience, adequacy of infection-related anamnesis, and PPE use. In logistic regression analysis, perceived sufficient knowledge was the strongest independent predictor of adequate PPE use. Female gender and the 31-40 and 41-50 age groups were also associated with adequate PPE use. In addition, 70.2% of participants reported occupational exposure history, while only 45.2% consistently sought post-exposure health evaluation. Although infection-related awareness among dental professionals was generally high, deficiencies persisted in PPE adherence and post-exposure management. Continuous professional training, institutional supervision, standardized infection control protocols, and structured post-exposure management systems should be strengthened.
