COVID-19 outbreak and dental health care provision in Nigeria: a national survey

Abstract

Background The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world is unprecedented, posing greater threats to vulnerable healthcare systems, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental healthcare providers in Nigeria about the disease and evaluate their responses to the preventive measures necessitated by COVID-19. Methods This was an online self-administered questionnaire-based study conducted among dentists practicing in Nigeria. A message containing the link to the survey was sent widely via social medial platforms and electronic mails to dentists practicing in Nigeria. The data collection was done between the 2nd of June and 3rd of July 2020. Results A total of 314 responses was recorded. Fever was the most specified generalized symptom (97.5%), while the use of masks (100%), hand hygiene (99.7%), social distancing (97.7%) and surface cleaning (99.4%) were the most commonly employed general preventive methods. The main identified risk of transmission in the clinic was aerosol generating procedures (98.7%). Conclusion The general knowledge of dental personnel in our study population appears to be adequate on the common clinical features of COVID-19 but less adequate regarding the less common features. The COVID-19 pandemic has also modified some aspects of dental service delivery but more needs to be done in this regard. Preventive measures against the transmission of COVID-19 in dental practice settings include proper utilization of teledentistry, clinical triage, preprocedural 1% hydrogen peroxide oral rinses, and the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which should always be encouraged.

Safety Precaution and Infection Control Practices among Dental Practitioners in Nigeria during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The study also noted that ultrasonic scaling, crown preparation, third molar disimpaction, and root canal therapy were the highest aerosol generating procedures [16]. Also, about 38% of respondents reported the availability of a dedicated screening bay or tent to attend patients on arrival [16]. Moreover, most of respondents in that study had hand hygiene stations with alcohol-based sanitizer and wash hand basins being utilized in similar proportions.…”

“…Moreover, most of respondents in that study had hand hygiene stations with alcohol-based sanitizer and wash hand basins being utilized in similar proportions. Furthermore, about 90% of respondents reported that surgical gloves and surgical masks were the most readily available PPE in the clinic followed by face shields and goggles [16]. Only about 46% and 10% of the study participants reported availability of N95 and KN95 masks respectively in the survey study [16].…”

“…Furthermore, about 90% of respondents reported that surgical gloves and surgical masks were the most readily available PPE in the clinic followed by face shields and goggles [16]. Only about 46% and 10% of the study participants reported availability of N95 and KN95 masks respectively in the survey study [16]. Concerning the sufficiency and availability of the PPE, most respondents reported that the supply was either insufficient or not regular [16].…”

“…Concerning the sufficiency and availability of the PPE, most respondents reported that the supply was either insufficient or not regular [16]. Furthermore, reported cases of PPE insufficiency and non-regular availability were significantly higher in public sector dental clinics [16].…”

“…A survey study of dental practitioners in Nigeria found that aerosol generating procedures (98.7%), contaminated surfaces (98.1%), droplets (97.5%), Saliva (90.8%) and contaminated instruments (86.9%) were the most important risks for SARS-Cov-2 transmission in the dental clinic setting [16]. The study also noted that ultrasonic scaling, crown preparation, third molar disimpaction, and root canal therapy were the highest aerosol generating procedures [16]. Also, about 38% of respondents reported the availability of a dedicated screening bay or tent to attend patients on arrival [16].…”