Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2014  |  Volume : 12  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 276--282

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling of extracted human teeth among students of a dental college in Bhopal


D Smitha1, Manisha S Tijare1, HV Amith2, Kumar Raghav Gujjar3, Ratika Sharma4,  
1 Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, People's University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, People's University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
3 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
4 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Rajasthan Dental College and Hospital, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Correspondence Address:
H V Amith
HIG 8, PDA Campus, People�SQ�s University, Bhanpur, Bhopal 462 037, Madhya Pradesh
India

Abstract

Introduction: Extracted human teeth have been used commonly in dental institutions to train students acquire the skills to perform on live patients. No disinfectant mentioned in the literature as 100% effective is completely safe. Although there are studies on the effectiveness of disinfectants, assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the handling of extracted teeth among dental students are rare. Aims: The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling of extracted teeth among the students of a dental college in Bhopal. Materials and Methods: A self-designed, close-ended questionnaire containing 16 questions was distributed to 500 students including the undergraduates and postgraduate students of a dental college in Bhopal. The questionnaire comprised 5 questions on knowledge, 5 on attitude and 6 on the practice towards handling of extracted human teeth. The responses were coded and entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS 14. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across genders. Statistical significance of mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across year of study was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 412 were returned with a response rate of 82.4%. The total mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 1.25 ± 1.12, 5.00 ± 1.12 and 4.89 ± 0.96 respectively. Comparison of mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores between genders was not significant. The difference in mean attitude and practice scores across year of study were statistically significant. Conclusions: Instructions regarding handling of extracted teeth need to be given to students when they enter the BDS curriculum. It�SQ�s always safe to follow the guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control while handling extracted teeth.



How to cite this article:
Smitha D, Tijare MS, Amith H V, Gujjar KR, Sharma R. Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling of extracted human teeth among students of a dental college in Bhopal.J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent 2014;12:276-282


How to cite this URL:
Smitha D, Tijare MS, Amith H V, Gujjar KR, Sharma R. Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling of extracted human teeth among students of a dental college in Bhopal. J Indian Assoc Public Health Dent [serial online] 2014 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];12:276-282
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/text.asp?2014/12/4/276/147661


Full Text

 Introduction



Dental students practice their preclinical skills on artificial tooth models, typhodont teeth, extracted teeth etc., to learn numerous dental procedures. Whereas, artificial models and teeth pose no hazard, many of the dental procedures are best learnt on extracted human teeth, as these best simulate the clinical situations. Extracted human teeth have been used commonly in dental institutions to train students acquire the skills to perform on live patients. [1],[2] This is being followed since a long time. Since the students procure extracted teeth from various sources-private dental clinics, oral surgery clinics, hospitals etc., the teeth need to be stored and preserved for a considerable amount of time, before they are actually put into use. If the teeth are not stored in a liquid medium, they become brittle and unsuitable for use. Various solutions have been used to store and transport extracted teeth. Of all the media, most common ones are formalin, saline, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite. Since these liquids are easily available in dental clinics, they have become the obvious choice to store extracted teeth.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Blood borne Pathogens Standard considers human teeth used for research and teaching purposes as a potential source of blood-borne pathogens. [3] Since extracted teeth form a part of the human body before they are extracted, they are an obvious source of infection and Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends that the extracted teeth be treated as potential blood borne pathogens. The CDC and prevention have adopted guidelines for infection control of extracted teeth used for research and teaching, requiring that teeth be sterilized before use, to minimize the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens. [4],[5]

Hence apart from storage and transport of these teeth in a liquid, it is also important that the medium used is capable of disinfecting and sterilizing the teeth. Studies have been conducted in the past to assess the efficacy of disinfection of these agents. [6] Chemical heat, microwave radiation and autoclave sterilization methods are recommended for preventing cross-contamination during in vitro dentin bonding research. [6],[7] The results suggest that 10% formalin, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and autoclaving for 15-20 min at 121 psi are suitable to disinfect/sterilize extracted teeth. [1],[2],[7],[8],[9],[10] Although formalin poses risk as a potential carcinogen, there are a few studies where sodium hypochlorite failed to disinfect all the samples. [10],[11],[12] Autoclaving the extracted teeth may not be a suitable method for dental students. Extracted teeth with amalgam restorations should not be autoclaved due to mercury vapour released in the air through autoclave. [1] CDC recommends storage of extracted teeth in 1:10 bleach. [13]

No disinfectant mentioned in the literature as 100% effective is completely safe. There is a trade-off to using the disinfectant media with all the limitations. While there are studies on the effectiveness of disinfectants, assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the handling of extracted teeth among dental students are rare. Hence, this study was conceived with the intention to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding handling of extracted teeth among the students of a dental college in Bhopal.

 Materials and Methods



Participants of the study were students of People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal. Convenient sampling was used to include all students of the college from 1 st year BDS to PG students. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee of the college. Participation in the study was voluntary. The participants were informed about the aim of the study and those who were willing to sign a written informed consent, participated in the study. No incentives were given to the participants.

A self-designed close-ended questionnaire containing 16 questions was distributed among 500 students including the undergraduates and postgraduate students. The questionnaire comprised five questions on knowledge (questions 2, 4, 11, 13, 16), five questions on attitude (questions 1, 3, 5, 6, 14) and six questions on practice (questions 7-10, 12, 15) towards handling of extracted human teeth. The questionnaire was prepared in English and was validated by test-retest method by administering it to ten students. Reliability was assessed by split-half reliability coefficient test (ρ = 0.83, good reliability).

Statistical analysis

The responses were coded and entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS 14 (SPSS Inc. 223, South Wacker Drive, 11 th Floor, Chicago II, 60606-6412). Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across genders. Statistical significance of mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across year of study was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Significance level was set at P < 0.05.

 Results



Out of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 412 were returned with a response rate of 82.4%. [Table 1] shows the sociodemographic distribution of the study sample. Most of the study participants (>70%) were students from III BDS, IV BDS and interns. 74% of the students were females.{Table 1}

The responses of the participants to the questions have been presented in [Table 2]. Most of the students (74.5%) considered extracted teeth to be a source of infection. About 35% of the participants reported incidence of infection noted with the use of extracted human teeth. Guidelines by regulatory bodies/institutions to handle extracted human teeth were necessary according to 84.7% of the respondents. Though extracted human teeth are commonly used in dental institutions, it was noted that 80.6% of the subjects in the present study were not aware of any guidelines by a regulatory body regarding handling of extracted human teeth. The vast majority (90.0%) answered that extracted teeth need to be sterilized before use. About 91.7% of them also felt that mouth masks were necessary while working on extracted teeth. Most of the students (77.2%) used the extracted teeth for preclinical exercises in the Department of Conservative and Endodontics, followed by Pedodontics (50.5%) and Prosthodonics (28.9%). About 66.5% of the participants collected the extracted teeth from institutions/hospitals, while 51.2% from private practitioners and others from quacks.{Table 2}

Most of the study subjects (73.8%) preserved extracted teeth in some form before use. The most common period mentioned was for 30 days. Hydrogen peroxide was the most commonly used storage medium of extracted teeth preferred by the students (42.2%), followed by Formalin (37.9%). About 35.4% of the subjects considered Formalin to be nonhazardous for storage/disinfection of extracted teeth, and 37.9% were not sure. Merely 26.7% of the subjects considered formalin to be hazardous. Only 15.0% responded that they had observed hazards due to the use of chemicals for storage and disinfection of extracted teeth. Most of the subjects (81.3%) had not referred any published scientific literature regarding the use of an appropriate medium for storage/disinfection of extracted human teeth. Most of the subjects (75%) preferred to use extracted teeth as against typhodont teeth (25%) to learn dental preclinical skills. Change in surface characteristics of the extracted teeth was noted by 42.7% of the subjects, whereas 57.3% did not notice any change. For the question regarding disposal of extracted teeth after use, the responses were 40.0% for dustbins, followed by red color coded disposal bags (27.2%) and yellow color coded disposal bags (24.5%).

The total mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores for the study participants have been presented in [Table 3]. Comparison of mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores between genders using Mann-Whitney U-test has been presented in [Table 4]. The mean ranks for knowledge scores of male participants were better, whereas mean ranks for attitude and practice scores of females were better. The difference in mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across genders were not significant.{Table 3}{Table 4}

Comparison of mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores across year of study using Kruskal-Wallis test has been presented in [Table 5]. The difference in mean knowledge scores across year of study was not significant, whereas the differences in the mean attitude and practice scores across year of study were statistically significant (P < 0.05).{Table 5}

 Discussion



Extracted human teeth can harbor pathogens that may be viable in the root canals for extended periods of time, and hence persons handling them are at risk during drilling of teeth. [12] Dental educators and students need to exercise adequate care while handling them. [1] It is evident that many blood borne pathogens including HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and bacterial pathogens may exist in pulp, radicular and peri-radicular tissue of extracted human teeth. [14] Since tooth preparation in laboratories is usually done without a liquid coolant, there is a greater chance of contact to pathogenic organism in the laboratory and the danger exists for the spread of infection, both, through aerosol and the unintentional injuries that might occur with dental instruments during practice. [10]

Disinfection refers to an action that reduces the microbial load present on the surface of an object, whereas sterile refers to an object without a detectable microbial load. By this definition, it is possible to disinfect an object to the point at which it becomes sterile. [11] CDC recommends storing extracted teeth in 1:10 household bleach, which has been proved to be unsuccessful. [1],[15],[16] Ethylene oxide can also be used as sterilizing agent. Its efficacy has been found to be 20-36% on Bacillus subtilis spores in extracted teeth. [17] Various new methods of sterilization have been introduced with minimal effect on the tooth structure and more efficient sterilization. Gamma radiation sterilizes without high temperature, high pressure, chemicals or gases. They have no effect on the nano-mechanical properties of teeth. [18] It has been reported that common house hold vinegar (acetic acid) can be used effectively for storage and disinfection of extracted teeth. This medium effectively disinfected all the extracted tooth samples in 7 days. [19]

Many studies have been carried out to assess the disinfection/sterilization of extracted teeth [1],[2],[3],[5],[8],[10] but the knowledge, attitude and practices of students who use them most commonly have not been assessed frequently. The present study is an attempt to gain information from the students regarding handling of extracted teeth, so that adequate precautions could be advised to them.

Though 74.5% of the students considered extracted human teeth to be a source of infection, 80.6% of the subjects in the present study were not aware of guidelines by regulatory bodies regarding handling them. Further 84.7% felt the need for guidelines by regulatory bodies/institutions to handle extracted human teeth. This point emphasizes the need that cross infection control and sterilization measures which are taught from the beginning in the dental curriculum, also needs to include guidelines on handling extracted human teeth. Preclinical exercises on extracted teeth are taught during the first 3 years of the dental curriculum and further they are used by students to master their skills by practice. Majority of the students (>90%) said that extracted teeth need to be sterilized before use, and mouth mask was necessary while working on them.

Most of the students used the extracted teeth for the department of Conservative and Endodontics as they learn a lot of preclinical exercises including root canal treatment (RCT) in that department. No other alternative can better substitute extracted teeth. Moreover they are economical compared to typhodont teeth. Dental institutions/hospitals were the most common choice for procuring extracted teeth. But still half of the subjects obtained extracted teeth from private practitioners.

Majority of the students preserved extracted teeth in some form before use and the period ranged from few days, 2 weeks to 2 years in some instances. The most common time period mentioned was for 30 days. It was surprising to note that though formalin is a proven disinfectant of extracted teeth, it was not widely used by the students. [1],[2],[3] Most of them preferred hydrogen peroxide instead. Apart from formalin autoclaving for 30-40 min at 240°F and 15-20 psi, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite have demonstrated effective disinfection. [8],[10],[20] Chemicals like 5% microten, 5% deconex, 2% glutaraldehyde have been tried to disinfect extracted teeth, but the results were negative. [12] In a study 5% virkon (buffered synergized acid peroxygen system containing a high percentage of surfactant) and Gigasept PA (100 g of gigasept ® PA contains: 3.0 g Hydrogen peroxide, corrosion inhibitors and stabilising agents. Activator: Acetylcaprolactam, Propanol-2, Excipients) proved effective against the laboratory model of disinfection and were carried forward to challenge freshly extracted human teeth. Gigasept PA was the only disinfectant that sterilized 100% of the tooth samples. Gigasept PA was considered to be a safer and effective alternative to formalin for the sterilization of extracted teeth destined for teaching purposes. [11] Gigasept PA is a high level hospital disinfectant that's used on medical instruments and is not easily available. In spite of the evidence from numerous studies, students still used hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, normal saline etc., because of their easy availability in the dental college. Striking a balance between the effectiveness and hazards, house hold Vinegar (acetic acid) can be used for storage and disinfection of extracted teeth. [19] In spite of being in a dental college 81.3% of the subjects had not referred any published scientific literature regarding the use of an appropriate medium for storage/disinfection of extracted human teeth.

Extracted human teeth were preferred by 75% of the students as against typhodont teeth. While most of the preclinical procedures like cavity cutting, crown cutting, veneers, jacket crowns etc., can be easily practiced on the typhodont teeth, procedures like RCT do require extracted teeth for teaching purposes. Procuring extracted human teeth from various sources may be tedious, but typhodont teeth much more expensive. Typhodont teeth do not have the risk of cross infection, but the feel of the natural tooth is better felt in the extracted teeth. While there is no need to use coolant when using typhodont teeth, it's a must while working on extracted teeth. Since both the samples have their own pros and cons the students almost equally preferred to use them both. Change in surface characteristics of the extracted teeth were noted by 42.7% in the form of brittleness and change in colour.

Many of the students were not aware of the right method of disposal of extracted teeth after usage, since 40.0% opted for the option-dust bins. Only 24.5% answered correctly that these teeth be disposed in yellow color coded disposal bags.

Based on the results of the present study, it may be concluded that educating dental students in the right method of handling (collection, storage, disinfection) of extracted human teeth is very much required and it must start in the 1 st year of the BDS course. The students need to be acquainted with the latest published literature regarding this aspect. As per our knowledge none of the textbooks of our curriculum have addressed this issue in detail. Since the use of extracted human teeth start from preclinical exercise, students need to practice extreme caution while handling them. Even after use these tissues can be a source of infection and adequate precautions need to be followed not only while handling them, but also to dispose them after use. It's always safe to follow the following guidelines issued by the CDC while handling extracted teeth: [13]

Extracted teeth used for teaching dental health care workers should be considered infective and classified as clinical specimens as they contain bloodAll persons who collect, transport or manage extracted teeth should handle them with the similar precautions as a sample for biopsyBefore extracted teeth are manipulated in dental educational training, the teeth first would be cleared of adherent patient material by scrubbing with detergent and water or by using an ultrasonic cleanerTeeth should then be stored, immersed in a fresh solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach 1:10 with tap water) or any liquid chemical germicide for clinical specimen fixationPersons handling extracted teeth should wear gloves. Gloves should be disposed of properly and hands washed after completion of work activities. Additional personal protective equipment, e.g. face shield or surgical mask and protective eyewear should be worn if mucous membrane makes contact with debris or spatter is expected when the specimen is handled, cleaned or manipulatedWork surfaces and instruments should be cleaned and decontaminated with a suitable liquid sterilizer after completion of work activities.

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