The Impact of Covid-19 on Infection Control Measures in Dental Settings
A Cross-Sectional Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15515240 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yasmeen Wahdan (Birzeit University), Ghassan Habash (Arab American University), Elham Kateeb (0000-0003-2077-3257, Al-Quds University, corresponding author), Raed Junaidy (Dental Unit, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem P.O. Box 69018, Palestine), Soher Nagi Jayash (0000-0001-5263-8557, Roslin Institute, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 15 |
| Pages | 6517-6517 |
| Publication date | 2023-08-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph20156517 |
| PMID | 37569059 |
| OpenAlex | W4385580169 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on every aspect of life, especially for healthcare professionals. Dentists are the most at risk of infection due to close contact with patients. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, perception, and attitude of Palestinian dentists towards COVID-19 and infection control. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 17-30 July 2020, and 349 dentists from the West Bank participated. The survey assessed demographic variables, participation in infection control training, prevention methods used in dental clinics, patient preparation for dental work, cross-infection control and sterilization before and after the pandemic, and sources for guideline protocols for dental workers. The results of the study showed that 54 (14.4%) dentists had received training in infection control in dentistry and 121 (34.3%) had attended training specifically regarding COVID-19. During a partial lockdown, 60% of dentists treated only urgent cases. Overall, the dentists in the West Bank demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and infection control measures in dental clinics, as there were significant differences between replacing a medical apron or mask and wearing a face shield, cover shoes, head cap, and goggles before and after COVID ( p p < 0.05). However, dentists' knowledge could be improved by increasing their accessibility to materials and provided training. Dental associations should provide guidelines regularly to dentists during a crisis to inform them of best practices and disease management. In conclusion, dentists need to update their knowledge, continuing education and training to guarantee the proper handling of COVID-19. The study's findings show the importance of updating infection control protocols and training programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by dentists in the West Bank
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Cross-sectional study · Face shield · Family medicine · Guideline · Health care · Infection control · Infectious disease (medical specialty · Pandemic · Personal protective equipment · COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies · COVID-19 diagnosis using AI · Dental Research and COVID-19 · Dentistry · Medicine · Surgery
Covid-19 infection
Isolation, quarantine, social distancing and community containment
The species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus
The socio-economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19)
Health system’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in conflict settings
Fear and Practice Modifications among Dentists to Combat Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Outbreak
Dentists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness of Infection Control Measures during Covid-19 Outbreak
A Call for Action to Safely Deliver Oral Health Care during and Post Covid-19 Pandemic
| Highly cited | No |
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