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Beckman CKDC, Luppieri V, Pereira LM, Silva CR, Castelo PM, Cadenaro M, Rontani RMP, Castilho ARFD. Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric dental care in two epicenters: Italy and Brazil. Braz Oral Res 2024; 38:e068. [PMID: 39109765 PMCID: PMC11376669 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2024.vol38.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to compare the adherence of Brazilian and Italian pediatric dentists to the biosafety measures and operative protocols recommended by the health authorities during COVID-19 pandemic and to classify the participants according to their risk of infection. An online questionnaire with 34 questions about sociodemographic and occupational data, dental practice organization, biological risk management, and clinical operative protocols was sent to Brazilian and Italian pediatric dentists using a convenience sampling strategy. Chi-square test and multivariate analysis (two-step cluster) were performed (α = 5%). Of 641 respondents (377 Brazilians and 264 Italians), most were female (94% and 70%, respectively), aged 20-39 years (63%), with over 10 years of professional experience (58% and 49%, respectively). Based on adherence to recommended biosafety measures, participants were classified as "safer" (n = 219) or "less safe" (n = 422). Adherence to recommended protocols by the majority of participants resulted in low contagion rates (Brazilians = 5%; Italians = 12.5%). Participants with extensive professional experience in the dental setting exhibited a greater tendency to implement multiple adaptations (three or more) in their practice. Most participants (Brazilians = 92%; Italians = 80.7%) adopted the recommended minimal intervention dentistry approaches, with the use of fissure sealants and the use of non-rotary instruments for caries removal the most frequently techniques used among Brazilians (36%) and Italians (66%), respectively. Two different profiles of pediatric dentists were identified based on the biosafety protocols adopted during the pandemic. In addition, changes were implemented in the dental care provided to children, with focus on the minimal intervention dentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Karoline de Carvalho Beckman
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Unicamp, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde e Odontologia Infantil, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Valentina Luppieri
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Letícia Martins Pereira
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Unicamp, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde e Odontologia Infantil, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Ribeiro Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Unicamp, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Departamento de Odontologia Restauradora, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Midori Castelo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena Cadenaro
- University of Trieste, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Trieste, Italy
| | - Regina Maria Puppin Rontani
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Unicamp, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde e Odontologia Infantil, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Guerreiro E, Botelho J, Machado V, Proença L, Mendes JJ, Manso AC. Caries Experience before and after COVID-19 Restrictions: An Observational Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1164. [PMID: 38398476 PMCID: PMC10889374 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020 led to the suspension of several clinical practices globally, including dentistry. This study investigates the impact of these restrictions on dental caries experience. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Egas Moniz University's dental hospital in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area from June 2019 to June 2021. The study involved 3380 participants who were divided into two cohorts: after and before COVID-19 restrictions. Data collection included a questionnaire, full-mouth clinical examinations, and radiographs (panoramic X-rays, bitewings). Results: Before the COVID-19 restrictions, the prevalence of dental caries was 91.8%, with an average DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index of 12.13. Post-restrictions, the prevalence decreased to 84.5%, with a DMFT index of 10.99. There was an increase in missing teeth and a decrease in decayed and filled teeth. Additionally, the frequency of toothbrushing declined among participants. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have significantly impacted dental caries experiences and oral health, highlighting a decrease in dental caries, but also a concerning reduction in oral hygiene practices. These results emphasize the importance of customized dental healthcare during public health emergencies to reduce impacts and maintain oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Guerreiro
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
| | - João Botelho
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Vanessa Machado
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Luís Proença
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
| | - José João Mendes
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Ana Cristina Manso
- Biomedicine Doctoral Program, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.B.); (V.M.); (L.P.); (J.J.M.); (A.C.M.)
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Costa AL, Pereira JL, Franco L, Guinot F. COVID-19 Lockdown: Impact on Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Practices of Portuguese and Spanish Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16004. [PMID: 36498079 PMCID: PMC9739203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the oral health attitudes, dietary habits and access to dental care of Portuguese and Spanish children. A cross-sectional observational study involving caregivers of 3−17-year-old children who had cohabited during a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain and Portugal was conducted. Caregivers completed an online anonymous questionnaire. Aiming groups comparison, chi-square test was used for qualitative variables. 770 surveys were obtained. Significant changes in the children’s routine were higher in Portugal (p < 0.001). Both countries showed a large percentage of children who had between 2−3 snacks between meals (p < 0.001) and a higher consumption of snacks was particularly noticed among Spanish children with untreated dental caries during the lockdown (p = 0.003). Most caregivers reported children’s oral hygiene habits did not suffer noteworthy alterations (p = 0.417), although parental supervision of toothbrushing was associated with dental attendance during the lockdown. The majority of the sample had no dental attendance during confinement. Confinement appears to have not markedly affected the oral health status and habits of the majority of these children, although an important impact of some demographic and behavioral factors upon dietary and oral care/habits was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Costa
- Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation and Research in Oral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana L. Pereira
- Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation and Research in Oral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lara Franco
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 080195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Francisco Guinot
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 080195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
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Wolf TG, De Col L, Banihashem Rad SA, Castiglia P, Arghittu A, Cannavale M, Campus G. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Risk Awareness in Dentists: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094971. [PMID: 35564366 PMCID: PMC9103177 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dentists are on the frontline of infection, especially when it comes to respiratory viruses like the new coronavirus. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a scoping review to better understand dentists’ risk awareness, awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive measures, and effective methods of COVID-19 infection prevention and management. This paper systematically assesses the published literature on dentistry and COVID-19. Various electronic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE via PubMed were searched up to 9 September 2021. Overall, 39 papers were included. Almost the entirety of dentists (94.5%) reported awareness of the three most common COVID-19 symptoms, and a risk awareness score of about 90% was shown, while 88.2% of dentists reported adopting preventive measures. More than 50% did not want to treat infected people. While 70.3% of dentists recommended usage of N95 masks, the rate of dentists using them was below 40%. Sufficient awareness of risks during the pandemic was found in dentists. Although they were using preventive measures, there remains upside potential for adopting all recommended measures. Further, the usage of N95 masks is improvable, even though the benefit of wearing them could not be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gerhard Wolf
- Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.G.W.); (L.D.C.); (S.A.B.R.)
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo De Col
- Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.G.W.); (L.D.C.); (S.A.B.R.)
| | - Seyed Ahmad Banihashem Rad
- Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.G.W.); (L.D.C.); (S.A.B.R.)
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Surgery, Microsurgery and Medicine Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 3/c, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.C.); (A.A.)
- Direzione Igiene e Controllo delle Infezioni Ospedaliere, University Hospital of Sassari, Via Padre Manzella 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Arghittu
- Department of Surgery, Microsurgery and Medicine Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 3/c, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.C.); (A.A.)
- Direzione Igiene e Controllo delle Infezioni Ospedaliere, University Hospital of Sassari, Via Padre Manzella 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Guglielmo Campus
- Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.G.W.); (L.D.C.); (S.A.B.R.)
- Department of Surgery, Microsurgery and Medicine Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 3/c, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.C.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-312-664-0987
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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of pediatric dentistry in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional survey. EGYPTIAN PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION GAZETTE 2022; 70:35. [PMCID: PMC9638253 DOI: 10.1186/s43054-022-00121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 epidemic circumstances on the practice of pediatric dentistry in the United Arab Emirates. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed among members of Emirates Club of Pediatric Dentistry. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: (1) dentists’ demographic characteristics, (2) general knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19, (3) practice of pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 pandemic. Results Female pediatric dentists were double the males and the age distribution tended towards the younger age group. Most of the participants had a satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19 and 100% of them obtained this knowledge from the health authorities. Around one third of the participants were not confident of their ability to work safely during the epidemic. There was a marked diversity between pediatric dentists regarding the priority services to be delivered to children during the COVID-19 peak. Conclusion A majority of pediatric dentists in the UAE are well informed regarding COVID-19 and its prevention. The economic impact of the epidemic has disrupted pediatric dentists’ willingness to prioritize certain dental services over others. This is related to safety concerns, financial urge, and patient needs.
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Mallineni SK, Nuvvula S, Bhumireddy JC, Ismail AF, Verma P, Sajja R, Alassaf A, Almulhim B, Alghamdi S, Saha A, Goyal V, Namineni S. Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) among Pediatric Dentists during Lockdown Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010209. [PMID: 35010473 PMCID: PMC8750425 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among pediatric dentists based on their dependent source of information. METHODS A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire with 23 questions was sent via Google forms to pediatric dentists. All participants were divided into three groups [postgraduate residents (PGs), private practitioners (PP), and faculty (F)]. The comparison of knowledge and perception scores was made based on occupation, source of information, and descriptive statistics used for the analysis using SPSS 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS A total of 291 pediatric dentists completed the survey, and the majority of them were females (65%). Overall, good mean scores were obtained for knowledge (9.2 ± 1.07) and perceptions (5.6 ± 1.5). The majority of the participants used health authorities (45%) to obtain updates on COVID-19, while social media (35.1%) and both (19.6%) accounted for the next two. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found among different pediatric dentists groups for relying on the source of information. CONCLUSION Overall good pediatric dentists showed sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19. The pediatric dentists' age, occupation, and source of information influenced knowledge regarding COVID-19, whereas perceptions were influenced by age and gender of the participants. Health authorities successfully educated pediatric dentists than the social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (B.A.); (S.A.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research (CFTR), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
- Correspondence: or
| | - Sivakumar Nuvvula
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore 524003, Andhra Pradesh, India;
| | - Jaya Chandra Bhumireddy
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saraswati Dhanwantri Dental College and Hospital & Post Graduate Research Institute, Parbhani 431401, Maharashtra, India;
| | - Ahmad Faisal Ismail
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak 25200, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Priya Verma
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Bhabha Institute of Dental Sciences, Bhopal 462026, Madhya Pradesh, India;
| | | | - Abdullah Alassaf
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (B.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Basim Almulhim
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (B.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Sara Alghamdi
- Department of Preventive Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (B.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Anupam Saha
- Pediatric Dentistry, Sairam Dental Hospital, Calcutta 700012, West Bengal, India;
| | - Virinder Goyal
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Gurunanak Dev Dental College, Patiala 148028, Punjab, India;
| | - Srinivas Namineni
- Pediatric Dentistry, Rainbow Hospitals, Hyderabad 500034, Telangana, India;
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Impact and Perspectives of Pediatric Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Unvaccinated Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212117. [PMID: 34831874 PMCID: PMC8618805 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has led to enormous challenges in pediatric dental care. In contrast to adults, many children are without any symptoms of disease if infected with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. The aim of this study was to conduct an inquiry into the perspective of pediatric dentists in Germany towards the impact of COVID-19 on daily patient care during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. All members of the Germany Society of Pediatric Dentistry were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire focused on five topics: safety measures, well-being/knowledge, patient care, prospects, and demographic data. A total of 549 pediatric dentists participated (58.11% females, 8.2% males, 0.18% inter/diverse, and 33.51% no answer). In total, 75.2% of the dental clinics were open during the first lockdown (LD1) and 78.1% during the second lockdown (LD2). In LD1, only 22.2% were operating at full capacity, while 40.1% were open with restrictions, and 11.8% only offered emergency treatment. In LD2, 71.2% of practices were operating again and resumed offering all treatment methods. A significant decrease in pediatric patients was reported due to the fact of COVID-19. Furthermore, measures, such as oral hygiene and recall appointments, were reduced. Measures that were performed after the lockdown were mainly aerosol-generating procedures and extractions as well as general anesthesia or sedation. The increased willingness to treat in the second lockdown has shown that pediatric dentists have adapted to the pandemic conditions, which seems to be of great importance, especially in view of the problem of unvaccinated children.
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Koç Y, Akyüz S, Akşit-Bıçak D. Clinical Experience, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Turkish Pediatric Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57111140. [PMID: 34833358 PMCID: PMC8618506 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57111140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) is a critical public health problem that has affected all fields, including dentistry. The dental management of children has become even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of Turkish pediatric dentists who have been providing dental treatments to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: After receiving ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted using the Google Forms online survey instrument. An online questionnaire link was sent to all the members of the Turkish Society of Paediatric Dentistry by e-mail and through social media. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 200 pediatric dentists participated in this study and most of them (82%) only performed emergency dental treatments, whereas 18.5% performed both emergency and routine dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority (72.5%) of pediatric dentists prescribed antibiotics and analgesics to their patients who were not cooperative with non-pharmacological behavior management techniques. The findings of the current study showed that the Turkish pediatric dentists had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19, satisfactorily conducted most of the infection control measures before and after the dental treatments, and attached importance to the use of PPEs; however, infection control measures during the dental treatments could be implemented better. Conclusions: Along with all precautions, the vaccination of healthcare workers and requesting a recent test result from patients showing a lack of COVID-19 disease before dental appointments could be used as effective infection control measures. Additionally, pediatric dentists should continue to follow local and universal guidelines, and education programmes should be frequently implemented in order to keep their COVID-19 management strategies up to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Koç
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Near East University, Nicosia/TRNC, Mersin 10 99138, Turkey;
| | - Serap Akyüz
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, İstanbul 34854, Turkey;
| | - Damla Akşit-Bıçak
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Near East University, Nicosia/TRNC, Mersin 10 99138, Turkey;
- Correspondence:
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Boukhobza S, Ritschl V, Stamm T, Bekes K. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes of Dentistry Students in Austria: A Cross-Sectional Survey. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1413-1422. [PMID: 34163169 PMCID: PMC8214007 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s311535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Universities with dental schools are faced with complex problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dentistry students are at a higher risk of contracting infections, specifically COVID-19, due to direct contact with patients. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude regarding COVID-19 among dentistry students in Austria. Methods During the first lockdown in Austria, an online survey was distributed among 165 dentistry students in their clinical term at the Medical University of Vienna. The survey contained elaborative questions on the general knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. A special focus of the questionnaire was set on the modification of the student’s curriculum regarding infection control. Results In total, 77 (47%) students replied; 68 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Dentistry students were found to have good general knowledge of COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic. Most students (89.6%) got their information regarding the COVID-19 infection from official sources; however, 58% would like to attend further lectures on COVID-19 to expand their knowledge. Discussion The current study finds good general knowledge on COVID-19 among dental students, but some gaps regarding hygienic protocols and infection control. Students’ preferences regarding modification in the curriculum suggest practical courses and lectures as a way to close COVID-19 related knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Boukhobza
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentin Ritschl
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Section for Outcomes Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Stamm
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Section for Outcomes Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Bekes
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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