Abstract
The healthcare policy changes need to be updated for better management of the COVID-19 outbreak; hence, there is an urgent need to understand the knowledge and preparedness of healthcare workers regarding the infection control COVID-19. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the knowledge and preparedness towards COVID-19 among dentists, undergraduate, and postgraduates in dental universities one year after the COVID-19 outbreak. The multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted by evaluating 395 structured, pre-coded, and validated questionnaires obtained from sample units comprising full-time dental students (undergraduates, interns, and postgraduates) and dentists who were currently in practice and who were able to comprehend the languages English or Arabic. The first part of the questionnaire included questions related to demographic characteristics. The second part of the survey consisted of questions that address knowledge concerning COVID-19. The third part of the survey addressed questions based on the preparedness to fight against COVID-19 including sharp injuries during this period. Comparing the knowledge scores of dentists, dental undergraduates, and postgraduates using the ANOVA test, dentists have higher knowledge and preparedness scores than postgraduates and undergraduates (p-value < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that undergraduates and postgraduates were 2.567 and 1.352 times less aware of the personal protective measures against COVID-19 than dentists, respectively. Dentists had the comparatively better perception in knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 than undergraduates and postgraduates.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a public health emergency of international concern
The breakout of the pandemic COVID-19, as well as the evolution of various mutant strains, has sparked research among global health professionals to limit the spread of the coronavirus by ensuring that preventive care norms and standards are regularly updated
To curb the spread of COVID-19 infection through dental clinics, the main focus should be diverted to investigate the level of knowledge and preparedness of the dental fraternity regarding the infection and how well they are prepared to fight against it
Summary
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a public health emergency of international concern. Direct mucous contact with saliva droplets, respiratory fluids, and aerosols are the main modes of viral transmission. Since the viral load contained in human saliva is very high, it may serve as a potential source of infection. Owing to the nature of the dental procedures and treatments, the dental office seems to be a high-risk environment for this nosocomial infection [1]. To curb the spread of COVID-19 infection through dental clinics, the main focus should be diverted to investigate the level of knowledge and preparedness of the dental fraternity regarding the infection and how well they are prepared to fight against it.
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