JUNIOR RESIDENTS' AND SURGERY ASSISTANTS' KNOWLEDGE OF FOUR-HANDED DENTISTRY IN A NIGERIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of studies on four-handed dentistry in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. This protocol will
be useful in the post-COVID-19 era. A situation analysis of the knowledge of a target population was conducted with a
view to its introduction.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of knowledge of junior residents and surgery assistants in thematic areas of Four-Handed
Dentistry (FHD) and a comparison of both groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey to determine levels of knowledge in preoperative
communication, ergonomics, and prevention of cross-contamination related to FHD within the study cohort.
Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of expertise in FHD among sub-populations. Sub-group
comparisons were done. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS: 22 residents and 9 assistants participated in the study. There was a 3.4:1 male: female ratio among residents.
Assistants had almost equal gender representation. Residents were significantly older (p=0.04). both groups had similar
post qualification experience (p=0.43). Median scores in subthemes of FHD were: Pre-operative protocols: {Residents-
71.4%(46.7 – 71.4), DSA- 71.4%(57.1 – 71.4)}, Ergonomics: {Residents- 53.3%(46.7 – 60.0), DSA-40.0%(36.7 – 50.0)},
Cross infection control: {Residents- 71.4%(57.1 – 71.4), DSA- 71.4%(50.0 – 85.7)}.

CONCLUSION: Gaps in knowledge were displayed in all aspects of FHD. These gaps were more evident with ergonomics.