Knowledge and attitude of dentists, dental auxiliaries and students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess various dental professionals from both governmental and private sectors through online and social media outlets. Results: A total of 1,033 responses were collected. Moreover, 63.4% of respondents (63.4%) were working in hospitals. Of all respondents, 44.9%, 33.4%, and 21.7% were in governmental clinics, academia, and private sector, respectively. Overall knowledge on incubation period and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was satisfactory across all dental professions. All dental professionals except for dental assistants demonstrated adequate knowledge on the recommended hand-soap cleaning time (p < 0.001). Most dental professionals displayed unsatisfactory knowledge and disagreement on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 outside the host (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75.1% of respondents were reluctant to treat a suspected COVID-19 patient, and 92% participants believed that the mode of transmission was droplet inhalation. Fever, coughing, and shortness of breath were identified as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most standard methods of prevention in the dental office were selected by at least 50% of participants. Conclusions: An appropriate level of knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 incubation period and signs and symptoms of COVID-19 was noted among all dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. Perceived survival outside the host was modest. A certain level of apprehension toward suspected SARS-CoV-2 patients existed among most professionals. Pandemic-awareness campaigns are essential among healthcare providers.

COVID-19 Myth Busters: Comparing knowledge and perceptions amongst the dental workforce at an institution in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

“…Generally, there was significantly higher awareness about the facts related to the COVID-19 symptoms, spread of the disease, use of face mask and appropriate quarantine by the majority of the respondents in all groups. These findings concur with other studies focusing on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 pandemic [ 3 – 9 ].…”

“…Very few studies have tried to assess whether the healthcare workforce is clear and vigilant about the facts and myths related to the corona virus. Most of the studies focus on the knowledge, attitude and practice related to awareness about specific practices in reducing the spread of infection [ 3 – 9 ].…”

“…Very few studies have tried to assess whether the healthcare workforce is clear and vigilant about the facts and myths related to the corona virus. Most of the studies focus on the knowledge, attitude and practice related to awareness about specific practices in reducing the spread of infection [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to be able to discern between the facts and myths related to the transmission of corona virus.…”

“…Studies are in progress targeting the characteristics of the virus, factors promoting the spread of the virus, clinical trials to assess the most effective drugs and vaccines, knowledge attitude and practices in populations related to the n-CoV. Recent studies done to assess the awareness about COVID-19 amongst dental workforce focus on awareness about specific practices which help reduce the spread of infection [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. However, we came across no study done as yet to assess whether the dental workforce is aware about the facts and myths related to Covid-19 awareness.…”