ABSTRACT
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused Indonesia to take several actions and strategies in controlling the spread of infection. Padang is one of the cities in West Sumatera, Indonesia that has the highest number of COVID-19 cases. The usage of technology as a tool to minimize contact with infection in dental health care has been proven effective. However, teledentistry as an implementation of this technology is often hampered by legal issues, especially in data security. Aim(s): The purpose of this study is to determine dental practitioners' understanding of legal elements of teledentistry in Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia. Methodology: An electronic questionnaire survey with 10 questions was developed by Google Forms, validated, and distributed electronically by zoom to 168 dental practitioners before and after the intervention. Statistical Analysis: Collected data were analyzed for statistical significance by using SPSS software (Version 16.0).. Result(s): There is a lack of prior knowledge of teledentistry in legal aspects among dental practitioners. A significant level of percentage of participants' knowledge regarding the teledentistry legal aspects has increased after the intervention. Conclusion(s): The majority of the respondents in this survey lacked adequate information and understanding of the legal aspects of teledentistry. Seminars and training are needed to increase dental practitioners' knowledge of the legal issue in teledentistry.Copyright © 2023 Kasuma et al.
ABSTRACT
This study aims at analyzing the effectiveness of online public education about oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that humans touch their face 23 times in 1 hour and touch their mouth and its surroundings 4 times per hour with a duration of 1-12 seconds. This can cause the transmission of the virus through the oral, nasal, or conjunctival mucosa. How oral hygiene can contribute to reducing the risk of Corona Virus transmission between humans is the main focus of this study. Dental procedures carry high risk of exposure to Covid-19 through saliva, blood and other body fluids from patients, the use of high-speed instruments also increases the risk of infection in practice. The incubation period of 7-24 days exposes dentists and patients to cross-infection that can be transmitted through the oral cavity and respiratory tract. The study reveals that a great part of the population in Indonesia, especially in West is unaware of the transmission of the Corona Virus through dental procedures. Consequently, the study suggests that online oral education is suitable for raising the community’s awareness of the Covid-19 pandemic. © 2020, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.