Data on knowledge, behaviour, attitude, and compliance practices of dental technicians and technologists regarding infection control in dental laboratories in Cape Town, South Africa.

The study assessed dental technicians’ and technologists’ knowledge, behaviour, attitude, and compliance regarding infection control in dental laboratories in Cape Town. Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach and triangulation were adopted within a descriptive design framework. The research questions were structured to elicit information on the participants' awareness of infection control protocols, their attitudes towards infection control practices and their adherence to infection control guidelines.

The study received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Faculty of Health, and Wellness Science, CPUT/HW-REC/2021/H18. A list of the dental laboratories in the Western Cape was obtained from the South African Dental Technicians Council. A sample of eighty-nine (89) out of one hundred and fifteen (115) dental laboratories in Cape Town were selected. The dental laboratories were selected through probability sampling which considered simple random sampling by lottery. However, the dental technicians and technologists in the dental laboratories were selected through non-probability sampling, using convenience sampling, which selected individuals based on the inclusion criteria of the study. The structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview questions were developed by the researcher based on reviewed literature and were used for data collection.

Letters requesting permission were sent through email to dental laboratories in Cape Town, and permission was granted by these dental laboratories. The participants, who were dental technicians and technologists were informed of the study and signed a written consent form before the data collection began. Data collection took place at the dental laboratories in Cape Town between February 2022 to June 2022, at dates and times convenient for the participants. The procedure for each participant took approximately 25-30 minutes. Only those who voluntarily consented to participate were given questionnaires to fill out and were interviewed after reading the information letter. The researcher made sure to thoroughly explain the purpose of the study to the participants and allowed them to ask questions before the procedure began. The participants were not coerced, bribed, or paid in any way. They were also informed that the interviews would be recorded and that they had the choice to allow or disallow recording. Participants were able to withdraw or decline to take part in the study at any point without facing any penalty. The questionnaire was filled out in the dental laboratories and the interviews were conducted at the private corners of the dental laboratories.

To protect the privacy of dental technicians, technologists and dental laboratories anonymous codes and numbers were used in place of their names. The dental technicians and technologists were identified as P1 or P2, while the dental laboratories were referred to as LB1 or LB2, based on the order of the procedures carried out. All materials and information, including the list of dental laboratories, consent forms, and digital data saved on a memory stick were securely stored in a locked cabinet at the Dental Science Department of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Access was restricted to the authorised personnel only (researcher and supervisors). This information will be kept secured for up to five (5) years before being destroyed. Findings from the study were reported without any reference to the dental technicians, technologists, or dental laboratories to ensure confidentiality. Participants were not exposed to any harm or risk and therefore no referral was necessary. Only those who met the inclusion criteria and study requirements were selected as participants to avoid unjustifiable inclusion or exclusion. All participants were treated equally and with respect, without any discrimination.

Data from the questionnaires (quantitative data) were analysed using descriptive statistics while data from the interviews (qualitative data) were analysed using content analysis. Both analyses were carried out descriptively, using the Number Cruncher Statistical Software, 2021 (NCSS, 2021, LLC, Kaysville, Utah USA). The research findings contribute to the literature on infection control practices in dental laboratories. More importantly, they provide valuable insights into implementing effective infection control measures in dental care settings.