Comparing Dental and Medical Education Standards on Environmental Health (Bio-Medical Waste Management)

Abstract

Introduction: There has been a progressive and exponential increase in the utilization of healthcare services. Global healthcare spending is projected to increase at an annual rate of 4.1% in 2017-2021, up from just 1.3% in 2012-2016. Medical and dental sciences are expanding in terms of available treatment options, improvised implants and innovation in both fields. Specialized equipment and innovations in available treatment options enable the performance of more complex surgical procedures. Such increasing healthcare service on account of increasing services, enhanced affordability and advancement in technology has to lead a parallel increase in generated bio-medical waste (BMW). The most important component of BMW waste management and handling is its segregation. It thus becomes imperative that doctors are adequately trained and that segregation practices are inculcated in their conduct. Medical and dental colleges are the primary institutions assigned to provide technical education such that a person trained becomes an able doctor. Education in foundation years can have a much more long-lasting effect. This study aims to identify the knowledge levels of young dental and medical graduates and identify possible differences in both streams. Method: One medical college and two dental colleges were selected based on the convenience and accessibility to the research and a cross-sectional study was performed. Based on the available literature, available guidelines and applicable rules, a structured questionnaire was formed. Pre-defined questionnaire was distributed to all and study objectives were explained. Result: The study identified that the dental and medical curriculum is deficient in providing training and ensuring logical understanding among young graduates and making them adequately competent to be allowed to handle BMW and consequentially be allowed to run their clinics or work independently at hospitals.