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Abstract

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential in dental settings because exposure to blood, saliva, sharp instruments, and aerosols increases the risk of pathogen transmission. Adherence to IPC guidelines may be inconsistent because of knowledge gaps, inadequate practical training, and resource constraints. This IPC programme at Karary University Dental Clinics included written protocols and standard operating procedures to improve IPC practice, staff performance, patient safety, and quality control.

Methods: An observational longitudinal study with an embedded implementation evaluation was conducted at the College of Oral and Dental Medicine, Karary University, from September 2022 to October 2025. The programme included a six-month pilot phase and was implemented in clinics with 80 dental units, two central sterilization units, 150 undergraduate students, and 15 dental assistants. The programme was developed using CDC and WHO guidance, literature review, baseline assessment, and expert consultation. It included standardized procedures for sterilization, waste management, PPE, vaccination, training, supervision, reporting, feedback, and department-specific bylaws. Monitoring used standardized checklists, sterilization-room assessments, biological indicator testing, and incident-reporting forms. Data were summarized using percentages and means. A cross-sectional survey assessed students' and teaching staff's perceptions and satisfaction.

Results: Dental students demonstrated moderate-to-high IPC compliance, with mean scores ranging from 20.0 to 23.8 out of 24. Hand hygiene and PPE use were the main areas of weakness. Performance was higher in Pediatrics and Periodontology clinics than in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Restorative clinics. Dental assistants also showed generally high performance, although inconsistent PPE adherence persisted. Most participants had strong theoretical knowledge and positive perceptions of the programme. Overall, 50.3% were satisfied and 32.3% were very satisfied. Satisfaction was significantly associated with perceived programme effectiveness (Pearson chi-square = 112.6; df = 16; p = 0.001). Key barriers included clinic overcrowding, heavy workloads, inadequate IPC resources, limited institutional support and monitoring, and insufficient continuing training.

Conclusion: The IPC programme was associated with satisfactory implementation, improved IPC performance, and positive perceptions among participants. Persistent resource and institutional barriers may affect its long-term effectiveness.

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Citation: Motaz I.S Abdelrahman (2026) Development, Implementation and Evaluation of an Infection Prevention and Control Program in Dental Teaching Clinics: Experience from Karary University, Sudan. Epistora J. Clin. Transl. Med. 1(1), 1-16. Article EJCTM-2026-102