Infection Control Practices in Registered versus Unregistered Dental Clinics: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Swat, Pakistan

Objective: To compare adherence to standard infection control practices between registered and unregistered dental clinics in Swat District, Pakistan. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 160 dental clinics (80 registered, 80 unregistered). Data were collected using a 21-item structured questionnaire based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. For each clinic, an infection control practices (ICP) score was calculated. Mean ICP scores and categorical variables were compared using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Registered clinics had a higher mean ICP score than unregistered clinics (51.29 ± 1.90 vs 50.14 ± 2.46; p = 0.001). They more frequently reported handwashing before treatment, handpiece sterilization, disinfection of work surfaces, and safe disposal of needles in sharps containers. Unregistered clinics reported more frequent use of hand sanitizer but were less likely to document sharps injuries. In both groups, adherence was lowest for waste segregation and routine mask changing. Conclusion: Registered dental clinics in Swat demonstrated better compliance with infection control practices than unregistered clinics, yet important gaps remained in both groups, particularly regarding waste management, documentation of sharps injuries, and mask use.