Abstract:
Introduction: the practice of dentistry in
contemporary times produces considerable waste
that could be harmful to individuals and the
environment at large. In Ghana and many other
jurisdictions, there are guidelines that outline how
these wastes should be managed. This study was
conducted to explore practices concerning dental
waste management among dental surgery staff in
some public facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods: a
descriptive cross-sectional study involving dental
surgery staff of four major facilities in Accra was
done. Overall, 124 staff from the selected facilities
participated in the study, and 51 different dental
surgeries were assessed. Data were collected using
a structured questionnaire and an observation
checklist. The questionnaire included questions on
socio-demographics, as well as knowledge and
practices regarding dental waste management.
Results: there was unsatisfactory knowledge of
waste disposal, while practices did not generally
meet international recommendations and the
Ministry of Health´s (MOH) guidelines. Though all
respondents stored their sharp waste in puncture proof containers, 98.4% did not label their clinical
waste, while 62.9% would dispose of used X-ray
fixers by pouring them down the drain. None of the
51 surgeries observed had more than one colour
code available. Conclusion: there is a palpable
need for education, monitoring, and
empowerment concerning waste management in
Ghana´s oral healthcare system.
