Assessment of microbial strains contaminating the white coat of preclinical and clinical dental students – A comparative cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of the study was to identify microbial strains contaminating white coats pre-clinical and clinical dental students through culture from swabs coat. In addition, intended create awareness regarding contaminated attire among students. Materials Methods: cross-sectional conducted 100 working in preclinical labs institution. contamination on coat assessed using blood agar MacConkey standard techniques. A structured questionnaire given participants collect demographic data details about their wearing habits, laundering habit exchanging coats, self-grading cleanliness coats. Results: were more than Chest area 52% ( n = 26) less 80% 40). Gram-positive bacilli 24% 12) predominant followed by Gram-negative Cocci 20% 10) participants. Conclusion: authors concluded that significantly with microbes. Although high, casual attitude being a mode transmission infection observed. highlighted importance implementing government institution protocols for hygiene.