Enforce waste management protocols

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 70 views

The Level of Knowledge and Behavior in Managing Biomedical Waste by Dentists in Hospitals, Puskesmas, and Practice of Medan City

Introduction

Dental health services in the city of Medan produce a significant amount of biomedical waste that can pose a risk of transmission of diseases and health problems if not managed properly. The management of biomedical waste is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. In this study, we aim to identify the level of knowledge and behavior of dentists in managing biomedical waste in hospitals, Puskesmas, and independent practice in Medan City.

Background

Biomedical waste is a type of waste that is generated from medical and dental procedures, and it can include a wide range of materials such as human tissues, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. If not managed properly, biomedical waste can pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. In Indonesia, the management of biomedical waste is regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, which requires that all healthcare facilities implement proper waste management practices.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive survey with a cross-sectional approach to collect data from 110 dentists who work clinically in hospitals, Puskesmas, and independent practice in Medan City. The data was collected through a questionnaire and processed using a computer. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part assessed the level of knowledge of the dentists regarding biomedical waste management, and the second part assessed their behavior in managing biomedical waste.

Results

The results of the study showed that all dentists realize that incorrect waste management can cause health hazards. They also understand the importance of labeling the container before filling it with waste. Most, or 98.2% of dentists, know that biomedical waste must be separated in different colored bags. However, an understanding of the impact of chemical and pharmaceutical waste shows that only 59.1% of dentists are aware of it.

In terms of behavior, almost all dentists in hospitals and Puskesmas have collaborated with waste management companies, while only 8.6% of dentists are practiced in the same thing. For waste disposal, all dentists in the hospital and 94.4% at the Puskesmas discard cotton, gauze cloth, and contaminated goods in a yellow bag. Conversely, in practice, only 8.6% of dentists do the correct disposal.

In terms of liquid waste management, all dentists in the hospital threw it into the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), but only 5.6% at the Puskesmas and 2.9% in practices that follow this procedure. Interestingly, almost all dentists in hospitals and Puskesmas do not litter to public places, while only 11.4% of dentists are practiced with this.

Discussion

The results of the study showed that 92.7% of dentists have a good level of knowledge about the management of biomedical waste. The level of behavior in hospitals and Puskesmas shows a good category, which is 100% and 94.4%. However, this good behavior is not reflected in practice, where only 8.6% of dentists show positive behavior in waste management.

The study highlights the importance of increasing awareness and enforcement of waste management protocols at all levels of health services. The results suggest that dentists in independent practice need to improve their behavior in managing biomedical waste. The study also highlights the need for healthcare facilities to implement proper waste management practices and to educate their staff on the importance of biomedical waste management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that although dentist knowledge in Medan is generally good, the behavior in managing biomedical waste still needs to be improved, especially in independent practice. Therefore, there needs to be an effort to increase awareness and enforcement of waste management protocols at all levels of health services, to minimize health risks for the community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness: Healthcare facilities and dental schools should increase awareness among dentists and dental students about the importance of biomedical waste management.
Enforce waste management protocols: Healthcare facilities should enforce waste management protocols and ensure that all staff members are aware of their roles and responsibilities in managing biomedical waste.
Provide education and training: Dental schools and healthcare facilities should provide education and training to dentists and dental students on biomedical waste management.
Improve waste management infrastructure: Healthcare facilities should improve their waste management infrastructure, including the provision of proper waste disposal facilities and equipment.
Monitor and evaluate: Healthcare facilities should monitor and evaluate their waste management practices regularly to ensure that they are in compliance with regulations and guidelines.

Limitations

The study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of the study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Sampling method: The study used a simple random sampling method, which may not be representative of the population of dentists in Medan City.
Data collection method: The study used a questionnaire to collect data, which may be subject to bias and limitations.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to ensure that the findings are generalizable to the population of dentists in Medan City.
Use a more representative sampling method: Future studies should use a more representative sampling method, such as stratified random sampling, to ensure that the sample is representative of the population.
Use a more robust data collection method: Future studies should use a more robust data collection method, such as observational studies or experiments, to ensure that the findings are reliable and valid.

References

Ministry of Environment and Forestry. (2018). Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 103/2018 on the Management of Biomedical Waste.
World Health Organization. (2018). Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Waste.
Indonesian Dental Association. (2019). Guidelines for the Management of Biomedical Waste in Dental Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biomedical Waste Management in Dentistry

Q: What is biomedical waste?

A: Biomedical waste is a type of waste that is generated from medical and dental procedures, and it can include a wide range of materials such as human tissues, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Q: Why is biomedical waste management important?

A: Biomedical waste management is important because it can pose a significant risk to human health and the environment if not managed properly. Improper disposal of biomedical waste can lead to the spread of diseases and contamination of the environment.

Q: What are the different types of biomedical waste?

A: There are several types of biomedical waste, including:

Human tissues and organs
Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Contaminated materials such as gloves and gowns
Sharps such as needles and syringes
Infectious waste such as blood and body fluids

Q: How should biomedical waste be disposed of?

A: Biomedical waste should be disposed of in a way that is safe and environmentally friendly. This can include:

Separating biomedical waste from other types of waste
Using proper containers and bags for biomedical waste
Disposing of biomedical waste in a landfill or incinerator that is specifically designed for biomedical waste
Following local and national regulations for biomedical waste disposal

Q: What are the consequences of improper biomedical waste disposal?

A: Improper biomedical waste disposal can have serious consequences, including:

The spread of diseases and contamination of the environment
Exposure to toxic chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Damage to the environment and ecosystems
Financial penalties and fines for non-compliance with regulations

Q: What can dentists do to improve biomedical waste management in their practice?

A: Dentists can improve biomedical waste management in their practice by:

Following local and national regulations for biomedical waste disposal
Separating biomedical waste from other types of waste
Using proper containers and bags for biomedical waste
Disposing of biomedical waste in a way that is safe and environmentally friendly
Educating staff and patients about the importance of biomedical waste management

Q: What role can dental schools play in educating dentists about biomedical waste management?

A: Dental schools can play a critical role in educating dentists about biomedical waste management by:

Incorporating biomedical waste management into the curriculum
Providing hands-on training and education on biomedical waste management
Encouraging students to participate in biomedical waste management projects and research
Providing resources and support for students and faculty to learn about biomedical waste management

Q: What are some best practices for biomedical waste management in dentistry?

A: Some best practices for biomedical waste management in dentistry include:

Implementing a biomedical waste management plan that is tailored to the specific needs of the practice
Designating a staff member to be responsible for biomedical waste management
Providing regular training and education on biomedical waste management for staff
Conducting regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices
Encouraging patients to participate in biomedical waste management by providing education and resources on the topic.

Q: What are some common mistakes that dentists make when it comes to biomedical waste management?

A: Some common mistakes that dentists make when it comes to biomedical waste management include:

Not separating biomedical waste from other types of waste
Not using proper containers and bags for biomedical waste
Not disposing of biomedical waste in a way that is safe and environmentally friendly
Not following local and national regulations for biomedical waste disposal
Not educating staff and patients about the importance of biomedical waste management.

Q: What are some resources available for dentists who want to learn more about biomedical waste management?

A: There are several resources available for dentists who want to learn more about biomedical waste management, including:

The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for biomedical waste management
The Indonesian Dental Association (IDA) guidelines for biomedical waste management
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MOEF) regulations for biomedical waste disposal
Online courses and training programs on biomedical waste management
Conferences and workshops on biomedical waste management.