Effect of the Ongoing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic on Dental Service Utilization in Patients With Comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: The keystone of safe and effective patient management is to approach a patient with up-to-date medical information. Assessment of patients for their medical conditions has changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the need for appropriate research infrastructure has increased. Considering an updated list of high-risk underlying conditions in the post-COVID-19 era, this study aimed to evaluate the utilization of dental services by patients with comorbidities during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. METHODS:  Data of patients with comorbidities seeking dental care at a dental school during the COVID-19 pandemic were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic variables (age, gender) and medical history of the participants were recorded. The patients were classified according to their diagnosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis. The significance level was determined at α=0.05. RESULTS:  The study included data from 1067 patient visits between September 1, 2020 and November 1, 2021. Among these patients, 406 (38.1%) were males and 661 (61.9%) were females, with a mean age of 38.28 ± 14.36 years. Comorbidities were identified in 38.3% of the patients with predominance in females (74.1% n=303). Single comorbidity was observed in 28.1% while multi-morbidity was detected in 10.2% of the cohort. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (9.7%), followed by diabetes (6.5%), thyroid disorders (5%), various psychological diseases (4.5%), COVID-19 infection (4.5%), and different allergies (4%). The presence of one or more co-morbidities was observed mostly in the 50-59 years age group. CONCLUSIONS:  The seeking of dental care among the adult population with comorbidities was high during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It would be beneficial to develop a template for obtaining a medical history from patients by taking full account of the consequences of the pandemic. The dental profession needs to respond accordingly.

Attitude of parents toward child's dental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among the population of visnagar, Gujarat: A cross-sectional study

Aims: This questionnaire-based survey was designed to assess the acquaintance, apprehension, and perceptions of parents toward the COVID-19 pandemic and toward seeking dental care for their children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. Settings and Design: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The online Google survey form included 6 units with 27 close-ended questions in twin languages (regional and English). Inquiries covered demographics, changes in daily acts, dietary traditions, and preparedness to seek child oral care during November 2020 to January 2021. Results: Out of 400 parents, 172 responded to the electronic survey form. Over half of the guardians affirmed that alveolar treatment could fan out COVID-19. Around 90% resorted to medication (self-medication - 39%, home remedies - 32.6%, and teledentistry - 17.4%) to evade personal dental visits for their children. Conclusions: The awareness about COVID-19 and precautions was significantly high. Though parents were unaware about safeguards practiced by dentists during Covid19. Measures were taken to correct misconceptions among parents about safe dental procedures.

Virucidal activity in vitro of mouthwashes against a feline coronavirus type II.

Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can occur through saliva and aerosol droplets deriving from the upper aerodigestive tract during coughing, sneezing, talking, and even during oral inspection or dental procedures. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro virucidal activity of commercial and experimental mouthwashes against a feline coronavirus (FCoV) strain. Commercial and experimental (commercial-based products with addition of either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO) at different concentrations) mouthwashes were placed in contact with FCoV for different time intervals, that is, 30 s (T30), 60 s (T60), and 180 s (T180); subsequently, the virus was titrated on Crandell Reese Feline Kidney cells. An SDS-based commercial mouthwash reduced the viral load by 5 log10 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50 /50 µl at T30 while a cetylpyridinium (CPC)-based commercial mouthwash was able to reduce the viral titer of 4.75 log10 at T60. Furthermore, five experimental mouthwashes supplemented with SDS reduced the viral titer by 4.75-5 log10 according to a dose- (up to 4 mM) and time-dependent fashion.

Knowledge of Legal Aspects in Teledentistry among Dental Practitioners in Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia

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.

The use of teledentistry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dental and oral health services for the elderly in the era of the covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Objective: This paper aims to determine the use of teledentistry and AI in the elderly to maintain the health of their oral cavity and teeth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Technology in dentistry today is developing very rapidly, improving the quality of dental and oral health services. During the pandemic, the elderly has concerns about Covid-19 contamination when they have to see a dentist. Their situation has led to discussions and efforts to use teledentistry and Artificial intelligence to facilitate services and care for the elderly during the pandemic. Results: Teledentistry is used as a medium for consultation, diagnosis, referral system, treatment, and follow-up. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used in diagnostic, patient data management, restoration, and CAD/CAM-based denture manufacture, detecting periodontal disease, and dental radiology. Conclusion: Teledentistry and AI can be a promising alternative in dental and oral health services to reduce anxiety and fear of contamination with Covid-19. The technologies make it easier for health workers, especially dentists, to maintain and improve the quality of life of the elderly during the pandemic. © 2022 JDMFS. Published by Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 and changes in protocols of dentistry practice throughout the globe and significant challenges faced in India: MOHFW guidelines and review of literature

Aim SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily attacks the upper and lower respiratory tract of the individuals leading to common cold-like symptoms and pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Also, the virus replicates in the intestinal epithelial cells and causes cytopathic alterations leading to gastric upset and diarrhoea. Dentists, auxiliaries as well as patients undergoing dental procedures are at high risk of cross-infection since most dental procedures require close contact with the patient's oral cavity, saliva, blood, and respiratory tract secretions. Ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW) released unified guidelines regarding dentistry practice in India on 19rd May 2020. The article presents challenges faced in practising dentistry in India during the pandemic and review on various protocols released worldwide regarding the same. Conclusion Post pandemic dental practices may be accompanied by changes in products, delivery systems, communication and technologies regarding treatment protocols along with healthcare systems but proper behavioural counselling and efficient management of patients pre- and post-treatment can lead to better outcome during this challenging time of the pandemic. © ARIESDUE.

How has the mental health of junior staff been negatively affected by the current COVID-19 climate?

While pandemics are widely recognised and remembered for their devastating physical effects on human and/or animal life, previously a less talked about but recognised effect is that on mental health. This audit aimed to measure the negative effects COVID-19 has had on the mental wellbeing of junior staff working in hospitals, specifically the Dental Core Trainees (DCT) throughout the Thames Valley and Wessex (TVW) Deanery. 40% of the respondents used the intervention, with meditation and mindfulness found most useful. The overall mental health of the DCT improved with increased scores seen in all areas of personal life. Leisure activity/hobbies increased as well as positive behaviours which resulted in anxiety levels decreasing significantly. There was an overall reduction in all stressors except 'workload/responsibilities', which increased from 40 to 80%. Dissatisfaction with senior support which was not in line with what the DCT wanted or needed. Responses still showed that 'family/friends health' continues to be of higher importance than 'personal health'. The intervention was partly successful, with increased satisfaction levels and improved mental wellbeing. A lack of perceived internal support from Trusts and poor communication from senior colleagues with no specific guidance on how their role was changing despite the second intervention.Copyright © 2021 The Authors

Minor Procedures in Patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders - One Centre Experience

Introduction: Patients with congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) have an increased bleeding tendency, which varies according to the factor deficiency and severity. In most cases, prolonged bleeding is observed after trauma, surgery and/or invasive procedures. Haemostatic treatment is needed to prevent bleeding complications and allow a good clinical outcome. Our aim is to evaluate the management of patients with CBD in minor procedures. Method(s): Retrospective study of patients with CBD who performed minor procedures over a 7-year period, through review of clinical files. Result(s): Between January 2015 and December 2021, 249 minor procedures were performed in 113 patients with CBD: 42 had diagnosis of Haemophilia A (HA) (15 severe without inhibitors;3 severe with inhibitors;4 moderate and 20 mild);12 had Haemophilia B (HB) (7 severe without inhibitors;2 moderate and 3 mild);5 were carriers of HA and 2 of HB. 35 had von Willebrand disease (VWD);15 had rare bleeding disorders (8 FVII deficiency;6 FXI deficiency;1 FX deficiency) and 2 had diagnosis of inherited platelet glycoprotein deficiencies (1 Glanzmann thrombasthenia and 1 Bernard Soulier syndrome). Most procedures were dental treatments (189);synoviorthesis/ infiltration/mesotherapy (17);endoscopies and colonoscopies (15);skin lesions excision (8);COVID-19 vaccination (5);sebaceous cyst excision (4);cardiac catheterization (3);ureteral stent removal (3);bone marrow biopsy (2);cystoscopy (2) and breast fibroadenoma excision (1). Prophylactic treatment was performed in 237 (95%) of the procedures, respectively FVIII concentrate factor (59);FIX concentrate factor (27);DDAVP (66);von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrates (44);bypassing agents (24);platelet (6);inactivated human plasma (9);tranexamic acid (47) and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (161). No side effects were reported. Discussion/Conclusion: Most patients that underwent minor procedures had Haemophilia and VDW(83%). The most common procedure was dental treatment (76%). Patients with CBD require attention and special care in dental practice. The haemostatic prophylactic treatment varies according to the specific haemostatic defect, severity and type of procedure. The treatment performed has been demonstrated safe and effective, with low incidences of haemorrhagic and treatment-related complications. These patients' treatment requires multidisciplinary teams and reference centres.

Psychological Impact on Healthcare Workers of Past SARS and Current COVID-19 Outbreak: A Global Review

The emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China during late 2019 spread quickly and creating international emergency and tremendous challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs) including dental and oral healthcare professionals. The brisk spread of this new viral disease forced HCWs to suffer from different types of stress including mortality and morbidity, delayed patient dealing, scarcity of complete personal protective equipment (PPE), and fear of being COVID-19 virus target and carriers to their family members. The dental and oral HCWs were also advised to apply mobility restrictions and social distancing measures. All of a sudden, most of the regular medical check-ups including dental clinic appointments were cancelled, reducing the number of patients flow. The abrupt cancellation of appointments put a sudden break on medical profession including dental practice. Different scales like progression of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Chinese Health Questionnaire-12 (CHd-12), Davidson Trauma Scale-Chinese (DTS-C), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Impact of Event Scale (IES), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) etc. have been devised in different countries to assess the overall mental health status. The reports from earlier SARS outbreak in 2007 had also put a psychological impact on HCWs but least has been learned from this out break. The reports from previous Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks and early COVID-19 pandemic have a considerable negative impact (short and long-term) on mental status of HCWs. Different types of negative impacts on mental health like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and distress were reported in HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic. The current COVID-19 pandemic given a broader understanding of how much, how far and how fast an outbreak can occur and affect HCWs psychologically. In this review, authors summarize the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the psychology of HCWs, as reported from different countries.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Difficulties Faced By Dentists During COVID Pandemic-A Survey

Aim: To assess the hardships faced by dentists during covid pandemic. Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The primary clinical appearances are respiratory in nature. Dental practitioners are among the most elevated hazard categories for transmission of covid since numerous dental methods have the potential to transmit the disease. Material(s) and Method(s): A cross sectional survey via an online questionnaire of 11 close ended questions was done. It was circulated via Google forms. The questionnaire contains questions on demographic details also. Data was collected and tabulated in excel sheet and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A total of 133 dentists responded to the study. Result(s): Most of the dentists reported that they were worried about operational and financial challenges to run their practice during Covid-19 pandemic. 53.4% of the dentists were male while 46.6% of the participants were female. Most of the dentists agreed that they are at higher risk of contracting covid-19 than other medical professionals. Most of the dentists agreed that they may be the major cause of transmitting the infection to their patients. Conclusion(s): During Covid-19, dentists had to face a lot of ethical and moral dilemmas along with facing operational challenges. This led to a negative impact on their lives, the present study draws our attention towards the hardships they faced.Copyright © 2022 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

General and Specific Issues of Morbidity, Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Dental Practice

The article presents general information about etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations infections COVID-19. The features and factors affecting the prevalence of COVID-19 in European countries and in the Russian Federation are given. Mechanisms consideredinvasions of SARS-CoV-2 and specific clinical manifestations of COVID-19 encountered in dental practice. Provides supporting facts about three different ways of spreading COVID-19 in dental practice, as well as data that allow making a conclusion and the possibility of infection through other routes. The features of the diagnosis of COVID-19 in dental practice, namely the factors that allow diagnostics in the early stages of the disease, are considered. Conclusions are drawn on the preventionand prospects of studying the spread of COVID-19 in dental practice. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The rampant spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide increases the likelihood that dental health care professionals will treat this subset of the patient population. Due to the characteristics of the profession and the virus, two situations deserve attention: the disinfection of surfaces that can be contaminated during dental treatment and the presence of the virus in the oral cavity and the countless possibilities of microbial interaction with microorganisms in the oral cavity. Objective(s): The objective of this review was to point out the current stage of the discussion on dental bio-safety involving professionals, the work team and patients. Method(s): The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, USA-NLM), Lilacs, Scielo, Embase, Web of Science and Google Academic with the keywords COVID-19 and dental practice, dentistry, oral conditions, mouthrinses. Result(s): Disinfection of surfaces has always been paramount and the protocol to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be established. SARS-CoV-2 is vulnerable to oxidation, it is recommended to use a mouth rinse containing oxidizing agents. Conclusion(s): Dentists are among the professionals who are most at risk of COVID-19 infection, and they must have extra attention during this period, biosafety measures must be reinforced and patients must be motivated to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine so that there is no accumulation of biofilm and this may somehow interfere with their systemic condition.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Recasting Biomedical Waste Management Strategies during COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Practice

A rise in the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increase in biomedical waste (BMW) all over the globe that leads to the perilous situation. Hence, this review has made an attempt to gather all the guidelines for appropriate BMW management in dental practice during COVID-19 pandemic. The keywords such as Biomedical waste management guidelines, COVID-19, dental waste management, and India were used in the literature search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar along with the various guidelines provided by international, national agencies and verified government websites with a focus on the BMW management in dentistry during COVID-19. The result enumerated that Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, categorizes the bio-medical waste generated from the health-care facility into four categories based on the segregation pathway and color code. These guidelines were reshaped in 2018, 2019, and in 2020 for COVID-19 pandemic. Collection and segregation of biomedical waste separately before handling it to the Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility was highly recommended that should be labeled with "COVID-19” both in medical and dental waste management guidelines. This review revealed that BMW management guidelines should be followed by all the health-care fraternities including oral health professionals as they are at a heightened risk of COVID-19, it is vital that they are informed of the most up-to-date protocols for BMW disposal in this pandemic.

Hypochlorous acid inactivates oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2-surrogate.

BACKGROUND: Droplets and aerosols produced during dental procedures are a risk factor for microbial and viral transmission. Unlike sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is nontoxic to tissues but still exhibits broad microbicidal effect. HOCl solution may be applicable as a supplement to water and/or mouthwash. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HOCl solution on common human oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate MHV A59 virus, considering the dental practice environment. METHODS: HOCl was generated by electrolysis of 3% hydrochloric acid. The effect of HOCl on human oral pathogens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus intermedius, Parvimonas micra, and MHV A59 virus was studied from four perspectives: concentration; volume; presence of saliva; and storage. HOCl solution in different conditions was utilized in bactericidal and virucidal assays, and the minimum inhibitory volume ratio that is required to completely inhibit the pathogens was determined. RESULTS: In the absence of saliva, the minimum inhibitory volume ratio of freshly prepared HOCl solution (45-60 ppm) was 4:1 for bacterial suspensions and 6:1 for viral suspensions. The presence of saliva increased the minimum inhibitory volume ratio to 8:1 and 7:1 for bacteria and viruses, respectively. Applying a higher concentration of HOCl solution (220 or 330 ppm) did not lead to a significant decrease in the minimum inhibitory volume ratio against S. intermedius and P. micra. The minimum inhibitory volume ratio increases in applications of HOCl solution via the dental unit water line. One week of storage of HOCl solution degraded HOCl and increased the minimum growth inhibition volume ratio. CONCLUSIONS: HOCl solution (45-60 ppm) is still effective against oral pathogens and SAR-CoV-2 surrogate viruses even in the presence of saliva and after passing through the dental unit water line. This study indicates that the HOCl solution can be used as therapeutic water or mouthwash and may ultimately reduce the risk of airborne infection in dental practice.

Infection Control in Dental Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Is Changed?

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our lives. Since the SARS-CoV-2 was discovered, many studies have been done on the transmission mode, its replication within humans, and its survival even in the outside environment and on inanimate surfaces. Undoubtedly, health care workers have faced the greatest risks because of their close contact with potentially infected patients. Of these, dental health care professionals are certainly among the most vulnerable categories, precisely because infection occurs with the airborne virus. The treatment of patients within the dental office has changed profoundly, respecting all preventive measures towards the patient and the practitioners themselves. The aim of this paper is to understand whether the protocols changed for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dentists remained even after the most acute phase of the pandemic. In particular, this study analyzed habits, protocols, preventive measures, and any costs incurred in the COVID-19 era for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dental workers and patients.

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dental practices in Denmark.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the patient flow and economy as experienced by dental practices in Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey regarding experience of patient flow, economical turnover, financial strain and willingness to pay for large treatments during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021), along with information on the characteristics of the practice (specialist practice, ownership, practice operation and size) was distributed to all dental practices in Denmark in March 2021. RESULTS: Of the 1728 practices, 581 (33.6%) answered the survey. A decline in patient flow and a decline in economical turnover were reported by 79% and 84.4% of the practices, respectively. Financial strain was reported by 15.8% and an increased willingness to pay for large treatments was reported by 32.1%. A large decline in turnover and financial strain were associated with non-specialized practices, practices with a single owner and small practices. Logistic regressions showed that practices not receiving referrals had an odds ratio of 2.34 (CI: 1.32-4.14) for having a large decline in economic turnover compared with practices receiving referrals and that small practices had an odds ratio of 1.92 (CI: 1.16-3.19) for reporting financial strain compared with large practices. CONCLUSIONS: Reportedly, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in both patient flow and economical turnover in Danish dental practices. Large and more specialized practices seem to have managed the economic crisis better.

Wearing Face Masks: Facing a New Problem

Till the beginning of 2020, face masks were primarily linked with medical health professionals, forensic, industry employs, chemistry and clinical lab staff or those dealing with hazardous materials. Nobody then imagined that face masks would become a part and parcel of everyday life for common man as well. Now face masks have become a part of our lifestyle, even attaining the coveted spot of an accessory, some with designer tags on them to safeguard people against corona virus. Nobody imagined a pandemic like Covid-19 could strike the world and stay on for as long. Now the situation learns that even wearing masks for prolonged period can have adverse impact on health, especially on oral health. To improve oral hygiene good dental practices can be inculcated into our daily lifestyle. This article puts a light on the adverse effects of wearing masks for a prolonged period and spread awareness on the remedies to combat this problem.

Preparedness of recent dental graduates and final-year undergraduate dental students for practice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Dental education involves performing clinical procedures on patients under expert supervision. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine face-to-face teaching-learning-assessment dynamics world over. This study assessed the self-perceived preparedness of dental undergraduate students for practice, whose clinical training was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic from dental schools across Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was done among new dental graduates of the academic year 2019-2020 and the final year undergraduate students (academic year 2020-2021) from dental schools in Malaysia, using the Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS), from 6th to 26th April 2021. The questionnaire addressed clinical skill competence, and cognitive and behavioral attributes. The number of respondents needed to achieve a confidence level of 95% with margin of error of 5% was 306. RESULTS: A total of 453 (243 final year students and 210 new graduates) responded from dental schools nationwide, with a response rate of 30.6%. The overall mean score for preparedness for dental practice was 76.3±14.7, for clinical skills 39.7±7.3, and behavioral and cognitive attributes 36.5±9.1. New graduates had significantly higher mean preparedness score (78.6±14.4) as compared to students in their final year (74.2±14.7). Performing endodontic treatment on multi-rooted teeth had the lowest perceived competency (29.8%), followed by assessing treatment needs of patients requiring orthodontics (37.1%), prescribing drugs (46.6%) and providing crowns using principles of tooth preservation (48.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory scores were obtained for most attributes. The final-year cohort was significantly less prepared for dental practice compared to the newly graduated cohort.

Stress perception among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) significantly impacted dental health practition-ers. Dentists are exposed to uncertain fears affecting them mentally and financially, leading to a multi-fold increase in anxiety and stress. To assess the stress levels among the dental practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate perceptions of dental practitioners after a pandemic outbreak. A well-self-administered questionnaire was designed, and Google forms were sent to participants. The questionnaire involves demographic details (section 1), Cohen's stress levels (section 2), and perceptions of dental practice after pandemic (section 3). The comparisons were made based on sex, age group, qualification, and occupation. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS (version 17.0, Chicago, IL, USA). Overall, 376 participants in the survey, 66.2% (249) were males, and 33.8% (127) were females. The most common age group of respondents was 31-40 years (44.7%). Occupation wise 44.4% were private practitioners, while postgraduates were 49.5% among the study population. The comparison of stress mean scores among the sexes showed non-significant (p > 0.05) while there was evidence of significance among the age group, qualifications, and occupations of the participants (p < 0.05). The overall mean stress score level was 19.95, whereas males (20 +/- 7.7), private dental practitioners (21.9 +/- 7.9), and participants of more than 50 years of age (26.1 +/- 7.8) got high-stress scores, respectively. The dentists with graduates in the study showed (17.5 +/- 7.5) had the least stress scores. Overall dental practitioners are at moderate stress levels;among them, males, private practitioners, and dentists above 50 years of age exhibited more stress, whereas graduates had the least stress scores. Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.

Awareness, Perception, Attitude Regarding Covid-19 and Infection Control: Cross-Sectional Study among the Dentists of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Millions of people have died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2. To increase aware-ness and knowledge of Covid-19, numerous online resources have been made available, particularly those pertaining to the dental profession. The purpose of this study was to determine dental professionals' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes concerning Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia. We performed a study using a Google Docs questionnaire that was disseminated to 305 dentists practising in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was divided into four sections: dentists' demographic and professional character-istics;dentists' awareness of the incubation period, disease symptoms, mode of transmission, and infection control measures for preventing Covid-19;and dentists' attitude toward treating patients with Covid-19. The questionnaire was completed by participants by selecting one response to each question. The descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, which were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between professional activity and knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards Covid-19.Results: A total of 305 dentists took part in the survey, which resulted in a cohort of 305 dentists. Dentists in Saudi Arabia were well-versed in the signs and symptoms of Covid-19 infection in dental clinics, as well as the methods of transmission, infection control measures, and preventative techniques. Dentist, on the other hand, demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the additional preventative measures that can be taken to protect dental employees and other patients from Covid-19.Conclusion: Saudi dentists have an acceptable level of knowledge and understanding of Covid-19. However, such advance-ments would benefit patient management throughout this pandemic. Due to the high risk of infection spreading and acquisition among dental workers or individuals due to the close contact with patients and the nature of dental treatment, it is critical for dentists to remain updated on current knowledge in this rapidly moving field. Dentists' infection control expertise should be reinforced through continuous educational programs.