Abstract
Background: In dental education, dental students are exposed to several oral microorganisms radiating from the patient mouth toward them. Hence, using personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered a must to protect them from radiating aerosols.
Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of using (PPE) among 4th and 5th-grade dental students in both Mansoura and Delta Universities.
Methods: A self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was designed to collect information about demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of using (PPE) among 4th and 5th-grade dental students. A total of 497 and 301 dental students were selected randomly from Mansoura and Delta Universities, respectively. Data were analyzed using (SPSS) program after collection.
Results: Mansoura University students had significantly higher correct knowledge and attitude about changing gloves than those of Delta University students. As well, a significantly higher percentage of Mansoura University students agreed to wear a surgical mask during procedures (92%), remove gloves while walking around (70.2%), and wear long white coats (80.3%) compared to Delta University students respectively. However, Delta University students showed higher compliance to the use of most of PPE.
Conclusion: Although Mansoura university students had higher correct knowledge and a higher positive attitude toward using and changing PPE, the compliance of Delta University students to the use of PPE was higher.