Dental Health Care Workers Research Articles

Needlestick Injuries and Associated Psychosocial Factors Among the Students of Dental School

Background and Aim: Needlestick injury (NSJ) is a common occupational health problem among dental healthcare workers, putting them at significant risk for blood-borne infections. This study aimed to investigate occupational exposure to NSJ and the psychological factors associated with it among dentistry students. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on students in the Arak school of dentistry training curriculum in the last three years in 2018. The questionnaires included questions about students’ awareness of NSJ conditions, the frequency of vaccinations, and antibody titration tests. The SCL-90 (Symptom checklist-90) questionnaire assessed psychological factors after NSJ in four dimensions of anxiety, phobia, self-morbidity, and depression. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods and a chi-square test. Ethical Considerations: The study was approved by the Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.269). Results: Of the eighty students surveyed, 59 students had experienced NSJ at least once. However, only 25.4% of students had reported the NSJ occurrence. The highest incidence rate of NSJ was reported in the endodontics section. In addition, 80% of students had received hepatitis B vaccinations. Based on the SCL-90 test, the anxiety dimension was more affected by NSJ than the other dimensions. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of NSJ in dental students, the rate of reporting after the accident is very low. Also, due to the lack of attention to vaccination in some students, there is a need for more infection control training. Based on the SCL-90 test, the occurrence of NS is effective in causing psychological problems.

Infection control in dentistry

Infection control is important in the practice of dentistry because dental healthcare workers and patients are exposed to e wide variety of microorganisms through blood and oral secretions. A long history of scientific, clinical and technological developments has led to the current recommendations for infection control in dentistry and medicine. As a result, health care workers and their patients have never been protected from occupational transmission of pathogens. Engineering and re-emerging infection control challenges will continue to confront the health profession in the 21st century. In addition, procedures aimed at preventing the spread of infectious disease are constantly being evaluated and updated. Among the important components of any infection control success, however, always will be remembering and understanding the rationale for appropriate practices. The routine applications of precautions such as multiple aseptic procedures, latex gloves, masks, protective eyewear, clinic coats, automated instrument decontamination devices, time-efficient heat sterilization modalities, chemical disinfectants, waste management procedures and single-use disposable items have created a safer environment for dental personal and patients alike. Hence the review aimed at stressing the importance of sterilization and disinfection in dental practice

Oral health related quality of life and reasons for non-dental attendance among patients with substance use disorders in withdrawal rehabilitation.

No study has assessed the socio‐behavioral distribution of oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with substance use disorders receiving medically assisted rehabilitation therapy (MAR) in Norway.ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) and its distribution among MAR patients in western Norway. We also examined whether oral impacts discriminate with different reasons for non‐dental attendance.Material and MethodsA cross‐sectional study focusing OHRQoL was nested to the INTRO‐HCV study and implemented in six rehabilitation clinics for people with substance use disorders. A total of 167 MAR patients completed personal interviews and oral clinical examination upon entering the clinic for their MAR medication.ResultsThe prevalence of oral impacts (OIDP > 0) was 61%. Logistic regression, adjusted for sex and age presented with odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) revealed that less than 20 remaining teeth (OR = 5.3 95% CI: 1.6–23.3) and dissatisfaction with dental care (OR = 5.1 95% CI: 1.3–19.0) increased the odds of having OIDP > 0. OIDP > 0 was also associated with insufficient dental follow‐up due to dental anxiety and poor experiences with perceived attitudes of dental workers. Means OIDP among people with negative experiences with attitudes of dental care workers were 3.1 (SD 0.8) compared to 1.4 (SD 0.7) among those without negative experiences, and 2.8 (SD) for those with dental anxiety compared to 1.8 (SD) among those without.ConclusionOHRQoL among MAR patients was generally poor. To reach those with a need for dental care, modification of the existing rehabilitation approach toward closer collaboration between dental health care workers and others in contact with drug users might be necessary.

Chemosensory dysfunctions as potential risk factors for tooth demineralization process: The feasible impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on oral health

A significant number of people infected with COVID-19 reported experiencing chemosensory dysfunctions, which were related to loss or distortion of the sense of smell and/or taste. Recovery time and rate were different among various populations, and these chemosensory dysfunctions showed the potential to be permanent. The majority of patients infected with COVID-19 who experienced olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions, might have changes in their smell/taste perception and food preferences, influencing both food choices and caloric intake. For instance, higher intake of sweets and fats was observed among these patients. Therefore, based on the permanency of these chemosensory dysfunctions, and their relationship with changes in patients’ taste/smell perception and food preferences, it was hypothesized that patients infected with COVID-19 who have a history of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions, may be more vulnerable to the tooth demineralization process. Hence, during this pandemic, Dental Healthcare Workers (DHCWs) should pay more attention to the patients with COVID-19 who have a history of these chemosensory dysfunctions especially older individuals.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among dental health care workers in Northern Germany (StaphDent study)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can colonize dental patients and students, however, studies on the prevalence of MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) among dental health care workers (DHCW) including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are scarce. We conducted an observational study (StaphDent study) to (I) determine the prevalence of MRSA and MSSA colonization in DHCW in the region of Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania, Germany, (II) resolve the S. aureus population structure to gain hints on possible transmission events between co-workers, and (III) clarify use of PPE. Nasal swabs were obtained from dentists (n = 149), dental assistants (n = 297) and other dental practice staff (n = 38). Clonal relatedness of MSSA isolates was investigated using spa typing and, in some cases, whole genome sequencing (WGS). PPE use was assessed by questionnaire. While 22.3% (108/485) of the participants were colonized with MSSA, MRSA was not detected. MSSA prevalence was not associated with size of dental practices, gender, age, or duration of employment. The identified 61 spa types grouped into 17 clonal complexes and four sequence types. Most spa types (n = 47) were identified only once. In ten dental practices one spa type occurred twice. WGS data analysis confirmed a close clonal relationship for 4/10 isolate pairs. PPE was regularly used by most dentists and assistants. To conclude, the failure to recover MRSA from DHCW reflects the low MRSA prevalence in this region. Widespread PPE use suggests adherence to routine hygiene protocols. Compared to other regional HCW MRSA rates the consequent usage of PPE seems to be protective.

How dental activity has changed following COVID-19: a single-center experience.

COVID-19 outbreak had an extremely relevant impact on dental activity. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a previously unseen change in terms of procedures, organization of patient flow, and personal protective equipment (PPE) employed led to a reorganization of all the aspects of patient management. The aim of the present study was to report and compare current dental activity with pre-COVID era. Data on the dental activity in the period from 9th March to 9th September 2020 were retrieved and compared with the same period of the previous year. The differences with pre-COVID era in terms of patient schedule and PPE were evaluated using Student t-test for independent data. Significance was set at P<0.05. During the lockdown, dental activity was reduced by almost the 90%, although emergencies and urgent treatments were still performed in a high number of patients. In the six months comprised between March and September 2020, the overall activity decreased by the 50% compared to the same period of the previous year. The access to the department was modified in order to guarantee a safe patient flow. Triage and temperature measurement were performed in all patients to exclude both the presence of symptoms and potential contact with infected subjects. Moreover, appointments were scheduled every 45 minutes, and the waiting rooms reorganized. A higher number of PPE items was employed by dental health care workers. Overall, the measures adopted appear effective in guaranteeing a safe dental activity both for patients and dental health care workers.

DENTAL HEALTHCARE WORKER’S KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON HEPATITIS B INFECTION AND THEIR UPTAKE OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NEPAL

Background: Hepatitis B is a serious public health problem and dental healthcare workers (HCW) are at a greater risk of acquiring the infection. The main aim of this study was to as­sess the knowledge, attitude, and hepatitis B vaccination status of dental HCW at a tertiary dental hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among all dental HCW and their knowledge lev­el, attitude, and vaccine uptake were measured. Factors associated with the receipt of full hepatitis B vaccination was assessed using Pearson’s chi-square test. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. Results: Out of the total 254 dental HCW, 207 responded to the survey signifying a response rate of 81.5%. The mean age of the participants was 25.6±5.4 years. A majority of the participants were female (156; 75.4%), unmarried (169; 81.6%), and dental students (117; 56.5%). Most participants had a fair knowledge (117; 56.5%) and a positive attitude regarding Hepatitis B virus (189; 91.3%). However, the uptake of full dose of hepatitis B vaccine was only 41.5%. Dental HCW’s age, marital status, educational attainment, and type of dental HCW were associated with receipt of full vac­cination (all p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Despite fair knowledge and positive attitude, the uptake of full vaccination was low among the dental HCW. Further strategies are needed to improve the hepatitis B vaccine uptake. Specifically, increasing the access

Do aspirating systems have a role in preventing COVID-19 transmission among dental healthcare workers?

Aim The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine and compare the seropositivity rates of SARS-CoV-2 among dental healthcare workers (HCWs) working in three different clinics using different types of aspirating systems. The study took place in Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation).Methods A total of 157 HCWs from three different clinics (56, 60 and 41 HCWs, respectively) who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic period (May to August 2020) constituted the cohort. All of the three chosen clinics had followed COVID-19 screening, triage and other recommendations for safe practice. In addition to using personal protective equipment and other common barrier methods to lower virus transmission, these clinics were equipped with different types of aspirating systems that included V6000 used in dry mode, V6000 used in semi-dry mode and VS900, respectively. All HCWs underwent serological testing once a week to detect immunoglobulin G and M antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using SARS-CoV-2-IgG-EIA-BEST and SARS-CoV-2-IgM-EIA-BEST enzyme immunoassay kits (Vector-Best).Results An overall prevalence of seropositivity was observed to be 11.5% (19/157 HCWs) over a five-month follow-up. The prevalence of infection was not found to be associated with sex or the role of the member in the dental team (dentist/dental assistant). Significantly higher infection rates (p <0.001) were observed among HCWs working in the clinic equipped with the VS900 aspirating vacuum pump without HEPA filters, while the lowest infection rate was found among HCWs working in the clinic using the V6000 aspirating system in dry mode.Conclusions HCWs working in the clinic equipped with an aspirating system which has HEPA filters and released the air into an external environment (V6000) exhibited significantly lower seroprevalence rates compared to HCWs in the clinic using an aspirating system without HEPA filters which released air within the dental operatory away from the operation site (VS900).

The devil is in the validation and design; managing the risk from opportunistic pathogens in the dental unit

The opinion piece by Hoogenkamp et al. raises some important questions regarding patient safety linked to biofouling of dental unit waterlines. They quite rightly consider the risk to patients but perhaps there is also a longer term risk to respiratory health, such as occupational asthma, of dental healthcare workers from inhalation of heavily biofouled aerosols into their immediate working environment in poorly ventilated dental surgeries [1–3]. However, it is acknowledged that surgery ventilation rates have now improved markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19, social media use and anxiety: more complex than it might appear?

Design Cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 403 dental healthcare workers.Sample selection Snowball sampling via social media.Data analysis Descriptive analysis of sample. Bivariate analysis of the relationship between demographic variables, social media use and anxiety. Binary logistic regression analysis predicting: 1) use of social media; and 2) general anxiety.Results 1) Social media use was predicted by moderate/severe anxiety level; 2) general anxiety level was predicted by being female and more frequent social media use.Conclusions The authors conclude that social media reporting of COVID-19 information had adversely affected the psychological wellbeing of dental healthcare workers.

A cross sectional survey on Practice adaptation among dental health care professionals against COVID- 19 :- A Central India experience

INTRODUCTION : Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) an outbreak has affected major aspect of life. Healthcare dental professionals are at the high risk of getting infected of COVID-19 because of close contact with patient who might be infected. More over high chance of infection to dental healthcare workers and patients while providing dental treatment had called for additional infection control measures. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted using online google form survey. A well-constructed questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental health care professionals towards infection control measures. The statistical analysis was done using one way annova method and total of 393 dental professional was included in this study. RESULTS: Out of all participants 88.72%, 69.53%, 57.34 % had good knowledge, attitude and practice respectively about infection control measures during the COVID 19 pandemic. On Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude and practice based question among health professionals, statistically significant results were found. CONCLUSION: Infection control measures would safeguard dentist as well as patient against COVID- 19. Furthermore, dental operatory must follow the Ministry of Health (MOH) recommendation while facilitating treatments to patients and education to dental auxillaries.

Non-financial barriers in oral health care: a qualitative study of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment and professionals\u2019 experiences

BackgroundPeople with substance use disorders often have poor oral health, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Since 2005, patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in Norway have been eligible for free oral health care services offered through public oral health clinics. Despite a large need for oral health services amongst patients in OMT, figures suggest that the use of these services is low amongst this patient group. It has been unclear which barriers that contribute to this. This qualitative study explores the underlying barriers to the use of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT, from the perspective of the patients as well as dental health care workers (DHW).MethodsThrough a combination of focus group interviews and individual interviews, data were collected from 63 participants; 30 patients in OMT and 33 DHW. Thematic analysis identified key themes for the use (or not) of oral health care services amongst patients in OMT.ResultsBoth individual and structural barriers prevent OMT patients from using the free oral health care services offered to them. These barriers include struggling to attend appointments, anxiety and fear of dentists, discrepancies between patients’ expectations and the services offered and perceived stigma. OMT patients’ lack of information regarding their rights and access to oral health services was also a barrier, as was DHWs’ lack of knowledge and information of the OMT system and what they can offer patients.ConclusionsOMT patients face several barriers in accessing and using oral health care services. However, through a number of relatively simple measures, it is possible that the use of oral health services amongst OMT patients can be increased.

Stress and anxiety among dental practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey.

Dental professionals are at great risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of stress and anxiety among dental professionals, and to determine which dental procedures cause the greatest amount of stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by requesting voluntary participation of dental healthcare workers through the authors' own e-form, which consisted of our self-developed questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). The simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the effect of dental procedures and other factors associated with stress and anxiety among the participants. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. This survey included 85 participants (32 males, 53 females) with a mean age of 31.6 ±6.0 years. Significant associations were found between severe stress for scaling (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), complex fillings (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), root canal treatment (RCT) (p = 0.001; p = 0.007), crown and bridge work (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), denture work (p = 0.034; p = 0.001), third molar extractions (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), surgical procedures (p < 0.001; p = 0.001), and implant placement (p = 0.001; p = 0.022) and the PSS and GAD-7 scores, respectively. Dental healthcare workers exhibit severe stress and anxiety associated with elective dental procedures. Dental emergencies should take precedence and elective dental treatment should be carried out with utmost caution, ensuring all protective measures. Psychological support for dental healthcare professionals should be made accessible.

Dissemination of Aerosol and Splatter in Clinical Environment during Cavity Preparation: An In Vitro Study.

Dental health care workers around the world are in a constant state of fear and anxiety because they work in a constrained space of the dental practice. During routine dental procedures, they are exposed to aerosol and splatter. These airborne particles pose a great risk of transmitting contagious infections to health care workers and patients, especially in an era of social distancing due to COVID-19. The current study was conducted to evaluate contamination amount, duration, the distance of aerosol, and splatter produced after cavity preparation using a two-hole and four-hole handpiece. The study was performed on a dental manikin in a dental simulation laboratory at the College of Dentistry, King Faisal University Al Ahsa. The dental manikin was set to a reclined position to simulate the clinical operatory position of the patient for dental restorative procedures. Aerosol and splatter were collected on Grade 1 qualitative cotton cellulose filter paper. These were placed on adhesive tape extending from the headrest of the dental manikin in six different directions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 o’clock) for up to 60 inches and on certain positions of the operator and assistant such as the chest, head, forearms, upper leg, and inside facemask. Class V cavity preparation was done by the principal investigator at a specific time of 3 min on tooth #11 using a two-hole high-speed handpiece, then on the next day, Class V cavity preparation was performed on tooth #21 by a four-hole handpiece. High volume suction was used throughout the cavity preparation. Immediately after cavity preparation, the first filter paper disc was replaced with new ones in all positions. The second set of filter papers was removed after 30 min. Transparent grids were used to count the contamination area on the filter paper disc. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean amount of aerosol and splatter produced by both handpieces, however, a statistically significant difference was found in an amount of aerosol and splatter produced at a 12, 24, and 36 inches distance immediately after cavity preparation and 30 min after cavity preparation, regardless of the type of handpiece used. It is advisable to refrain from removing the personal protective barriers immediately after the procedure within the vicinity of the dental practice. The use of other adjuncts such as high volume suction to reduce the spread of aerosol and splatter is also recommended.

Management of Orthodontic patients in COVID-19 pandemic, a single center initial experience.

The year 2020 will be marked for years to come with pandemics related to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experiencing lockdowns and quarantine in a trial to create social distancing and reduce transmission of infection. It was considered a global concern as per world health organization (WHO). With the lockdown only emergency dental treatments were allowed with the complete closure of the orthodontic practice in a trial to help flatten the curve. The aim of this clinical report is to describe the clinical outcome of orthodontist and assistant who took care of several COVID-19 cases possibly carriers of SARS-COV-2 or reported recent infection and recovery. The possible measures that can keep both dental health care workers and patients safe added to the actions taken to help adapt to the new normal were elaborated. Methods: A case series of one carrier and other five cases of recently recovered patients were managed in clinic. Different scenarios will be discussed for the purpose of comparing the management, possible measures that were applied and precautions that could make the practice safer . Furthermore, we followed up other patients who had procedures in same clinic during upcoming 48 hours for 14 days through phone calls or recall visits. Results: No transmission of infection to the dental health care workers as per nasopharyngeal swab as well for the follow up patients .Conclusion: The infection control measures described in this clinical report were sufficient enough to prevent transmission of infection from a confirmed carrier patient.

A comparative study of the prevalence of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Helicobacter pylori&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in the oral biofilms of a group of dental and nondental undergraduates from Sri Lanka

Dental health care workers (DHCW) are at a risk of occupational exposure to Helicobacter pylori from the aerosolized oral biofilms and saliva of patients. We designed this study to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in the oral biofilms of a group of dental and non-dental undergraduates from Sri Lanka. After obtaining informed consent, oral biofilms were collected from 38 dental undergraduates (19 males and 19 females) undergoing clinical training and 33 non-dental undergraduates (14 males and 19 females). The participants were in the age range of 22–27 years and had healthy periodontium. Total DNA from the oral biofilms were extracted, and H. pylori DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA gene of H. pylori using JW22-JW23 primers, and the results were confirmed using PCR amplification of H. pylori -urease specific HPU1-HPU2 primers. Out of 71 participants, 11 (28.95%) dental and 3 (9.09%) non-dental undergraduates had H. pylori in their oral biofilms indicating an overall prevalence rate of 19.72% (14/71). Thus, the prevalence of H. pylori in oral biofilms was significantly higher in dental undergraduates than in non-dental undergraduates (p < 0.05). An odds ratio of 4.07 indicated that dental undergraduates were four times more likely to harbor H. pylori in their oral biofilms than nondental undergraduates. Foregoing data support the fact that there may be greater occupational risk of exposure to H. pylori for dental undergraduates during clinical training than that for non-dental undergraduates, warranting meticulous infection control practices during clinical dentistry.

The Saudi Infection Control Guidance for Re-opening Dental Services in Governmental and Private Sectors During Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic

Objective: Novel newly discovered coronavirus, also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a recently emerging virus that has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019. Due to the vicinity inoro-dental treatment and aerosol production, people inside the dental office are at high risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This guideline aims to protect the dental health-care workers during their plans to re-open and increasingly continue their routine services until further notice from their governing body. Methods: A panel of experts in dentistry and infection prevention and control reviewed the local and global research and guidelines related to infection prevention and control during coronavirus disease-2019, along with the re-opening guidance provided by different entities. Results: Such a document might either be adopted or adapted to any regional and international organization that wishes to use a revised professional guideline in infection prevention and control dental services. Conclusion: A careful re-opening plan should be developed and implemented, including strict infection control measures before resuming the dental practice.

COVIDentistry Combating Corona Virus Spread in Dental Setup Indian Prospective

Making its first presence in humans in China in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as a highly contagious viral particle causing distress of lower respiratory system, named COVID-19. Since January 2020, there has been a worldwide increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and associated deaths. Owing to the contagious nature of the disease and socializing human culture, the disease has spanned over continents resulting in some countries being more severely affected than others. Since the first knowledge of the disease, interim guidelines have been constantly issued by competent authorities to safeguard the interest of masses and healthcare professionals. As and when new details are procured, these guidelines are adequately modified and circulated. As a standard measure, all individuals are expected to maintain social distancing, cover their face with a mask during any outdoor activity and practice hand hygiene and cough etiquettes. Respiratory droplet spread is the most potential source identified for this uncontrolled disease spread. Being of smaller size, aerosols produced during medical treatment too act a potential source of viral particle dissemination. Almost all dental procedures involve production of aerosols in some form or the other, irrespective of the kind of instrumentation used. Additionally, proximity to the oral cavity, one of the sources of droplet production, poses a high risk of disease contraction by dental healthcare workers and visiting patients. With consideration to dental practice, various guidelines have been issued to minimise and control the spread of COVID-19. This article is written with an aim of reviewing these guidelines and sensitizing and encouraging the dental fraternity to follow them and contribute in the current world health crisis.

Anxiety among dental professionals and its association with their dependency on social media for health information: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundSocial media can play a detrimental role during a global health emergency. In this study, we aimed at assessing the impact social media has on the anxiety level of dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) whilst living through the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online questionnaire was disseminated to a cross-sectional sample of DHCWs from 19 countries using social media platforms. The questionnaire enquired about DHCWs’ frequency of using social media and their dependency on health-related information posted on those platforms. Anxiety was measured using General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7).ResultsFour-hundred and three (403) DHCWs completed the online questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent (68%) frequently use social media for information on COVID-19. The frequency of social media use was higher among younger DHCWs, with shorter clinical experience, and holders of undergraduate qualifications (p = 0.009, p = 0.002, and p = 0.023, respectively). Almost one third of DHCWs had moderate to severe anxiety (31.7%), which was significantly associated with the frequency of social media use (p = 0.016). This association was adjusted for age, years of experience and qualification level (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.05–2.93; p = 0.032).ConclusionCOVID-19 social media infodemic has been adversely impacting the psychological wellbeing of DHCWs. More effective measures are needed to control the quality and spreadability of health information on social media platforms.

IgG titers Decline Post-Vaccination with BNT6112b2 in an Italian Dental Team

The occupational risk of dental health care workers for COVID-19 is a burning issue. Currently, the long-lasting efficacy of the induced immunity from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is largely unknown. Our aim is to study the RDB-IgG response after 1, 4, and 7 months from complete vaccination with BNT6112b2 in an Italian dental team. All 13 dental health care workers (3 men and 10 women) working in a private dental office were enrolled in the frame of scheduled controls for occupational safety. All dental health care workers were aged less than 60 yrs old; the mean age (±DS) was 41.23±9.63 yrs; 2/13 had one medical condition associated with a higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, but none of DHCW were affected with the disease. Antigen tests on nasal swab in detecting the SARSCoV-2 were always negative from December 2020 to September 2021. Any symptoms commonly attributed to COVID-19 were not reported. The vaccination with BNT6112b2 was done on them with two doses according to the authorization protocol. Some female dental health workers (4/13) seem to be non-responders or slightly responders and reported associated pathologies (obesity, hypertension). 7 months after the second dose of vaccine, the RDB-IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have reduced significantly (94%; P < 0.001) compared to levels 1 month after. More knowledge on occupational risk and on vaccine efficacy in dental health care workers, stringent adoption of standard precautions, and, perhaps, the vaccine boost or new mucosal vaccines seem to be the main strategy in facing COVID-19 pandemic.