Dentist’s Experiences and Perceptions One Year into the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract

The emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 mobilized the dental profession to make dentistry safer. Enhanced infection control protocols intended to prevent exposure to SARS-CoV-2 will likely be compromised if infection control knowledge and practice are deficient. One year into the coronavirus pandemic, the aim of this online survey among dentists in Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil, was to assess their personal experiences with COVID-19, perceptions of risk, and infection control needs. A questionnaire designed in Google Surveys was conducted in Spanish or Portuguese from April 8 to May 24, 2021. Items included were dentists’ age, sex, professional profile, and personal experience with COVID-19. Collected in a Likert-type scale, perception items covered concerns, needs, procedures, impact, and immunization. Chi2 test was applied to analyze trends in perceptions versus demographics. Responses were obtained from 712 dentists (235 men and 477 women, 23 to 75 years old). Most knew someone with COVID-19, for 61% the case was a family member. Twenty percent (n=140) had suffered COVID-19. Percentages in total agreement were: “I work with fear of COVID-19” 27%; “We need to improve infection control education” 46%; “I sterilize dental handpieces” 51%; “I use aerosol generating procedures less” 26%; and “Once immunized, I’ll work without fear” 6%. Dentists continued to work with fear of SARS-CoV-2; they had partially applied enhanced infection control procedures. They perceived a need for infection control education. Infection control education and training needs remain to be addressed to make dental clinics safer for providers and their patients.