Knowledge, attitude and practice of dentists in Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Turkey

Authors : Berkay TOKUÇ, Fatih Mehmet ÇOŞKUNSES

Pages : 86-91

Doi:10.26650/eor.20200049

View : 12 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2020-05-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and anxiety of the dentists in relation to COVID-19. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 590 dentists employed in Turkey from March to April 2020. The electronic survey consisted of 22 questions related to demographic profile, knowledge, clinical practice and anxiety level of the participants towards dental management of COVID-19. The survey was sent to participants by email and mobile phone messages to be filled electronically. Results: Majority of respondents pointed to aerosol insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(98.5%);, saliva insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(90.6%); and mucosal contact insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(71.4%); as the transmission routes of COVID-19. Amongst all clinical symptoms of the disease questioned, fever insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(99.8%);, dry cough insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(99.1%);, fatigue insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(90.0%); were associated with COVID-19 by vast majority of population. 96.4% of respondents agreed the usage of gloves as personal protective equipment and it was followed by face shield insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(88.1%);, disposable gown insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(83.4%);, protective goggles insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(73.9%);. Increased usage of FFP2/N95 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(33.9%); and FFP3/N99 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(10.9%); respirators, contrary to reduction of surgical mask usage insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(50.7%);, were observed in aerosol-generating procedures comparing to dental procedures without producing aerosol and these differences were highly significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001, p=0.004, p<0.001);. The mean anxiety level of respondents was 3.35 ± 1.18 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ranging from 0 to 5);. Conclusion: These results demonstrated an adequate knowledge, especially in clinical symptoms of COVID-19 amongst dentists. However, the respirator usage rate in aerosol-generating procedures was not satisfactory which suggesting to necessity of dentists’ education about pandemic.
Keywords : COVID 19, Dentistry, Mask, Respirator, Attitude