Knowledge and awareness of dental students toward disinfection and handling of human extracted teeth – A questionnaire-based study

Objectives: Part of the dental curriculum includes dental students working on extracted, and natural teeth to learn various techniques. However, the extracted teeth have been found to be the potential source of infection, which may possess greater risk of exposure to various transmissible pathogens and subsequent diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, attitude, and perception toward disinfection and handling of extracted teeth among dental students. Material and Methods: Self-administered questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was designed and circulated among dental students in Central India in the electronic form through Whatsapp or Email. The data collected were tabulated, and their percentage values were calculated. Results: Out of all the methods described, use of autoclave, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 10% formalin were considered the safest methods to sterilize and disinfect the extracted teeth. Conclusion: Observations made in the present study suggest that knowledge, attitude, and awareness of dental students regarding disinfection and managing extracted teeth was found to be acceptable. The results of the study indicate the necessity of providing students with continuing dental education programs to raise awareness of better techniques for handling extracted teeth.