Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by an RNA virus named SARS CoV2. The increased risk of infection by this virus among dental students necessitates updated knowledge and highlights their important role in preventing and controlling its transmission. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding COVID-19 and infection control measures among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in different Saudi universities using an online self-administered questionnaire. It gathered data on students’ demographic information, knowledge of COVID-19 and infection control measures, risk perception and attitudes toward the disease, and their preparedness for treating infected patients. Results: A total of 327 dental students responded to the questionnaire. Of these students, 92.4% had received training in infection control in dental practice, but only 24.2% had attended training regarding COVID-19. The majority of students had adequate knowledge regarding the modes of transmission and the common symptoms of COVID-19, with statistically significant total mean knowledge scores among students in different academic years (p<0.05). A large percentage of the students (92.7%) agreed that the use of rubber dams or high-volume saliva ejectors could reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. However, 58.4% of the students disagreed that intraoral dental radiographs should be avoided to reduce the possibility of transmitting infection. Conclusion: Although knowledge of and risk perception concerning COVID-19 among students is good, additional training sessions integrating recent international guidelines for infection control are required to update their knowledge and achieve safe dental practice.
Highlights
A coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China and rapidly spread worldwide [1]
This study included a total of 327 Saudi students (193 females and 134 males), of whom 69 (21.1%) were in the 4th year, 94 (28.7%) were in the 5th year, and 67 (20.5%) and 97 (29.7%) were in the 6th year and internship year, respectively
Regarding knowledge about modes of transmission, 96% of participants mentioned that transmission occurs via coughing and sneezing, 94.2% reported that the elderly are considered a risk group, 92.4% to 98.2% responded that shortness of breath, cough, and fever are the main symptoms of COVID-19, and 85% reported that asymptomatic patients could transmit the infection to others
Summary
A coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China and rapidly spread worldwide [1]. The novel coronavirus is an enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the family Coronaviridae [2]. The novel coronavirus seems to resemble SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV but has been shown to have a higher rate of infection [6]. The common transmission routes of the novel coronavirus from person to person include inhalation of cough or sneeze droplets and contact transmission, such as contact with oral, nasal, and eye mucous membranes; it can be transmitted through saliva and the feco–oral routes [10]. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by an RNA virus named SARS CoV2. The increased risk of infection by this virus among dental students necessitates updated knowledge and highlights their important role in preventing and controlling its transmission
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