Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients attended dental clinics at MGVS KBH Dental College and Hospital, Nashik regarding cross-infection and infection control in dentistry. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 patients who attended the dental clinics. A standardized, confidential, anonymous, interviewing questionnaire was used. The level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients attended dental clinics was assessed by 10 Multiple choice questions. The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients were assessed by answering 10 statements on a three-point Likert scale. Patient’s self-reported practices were also evaluated. The descriptive and inferential statistics was done. Results: The study revealed that 48.6%, 29.3% and 22.1% of the participants had poor, fair and satisfactory levels of knowledge about infection and infection control in dentistry, respectively. Participant’s educational level was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about dental infection. Patients had positive attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. Regarding self-reported practice, almost half of the participants had asked dentists about sterilization of dental instruments (45.8%), wearing a face mask (24.5%) and gloves (32.3%). Conclusion: Participants had good attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. However, their knowledge and practice need improvements. Awareness should be increased about cross-infection and infection control in dentistry through mass media, TV programs, camps, posters, etc.
