Ventilation and air-conditioning systems in dental clinics and COVID-19: How much do we know?
J Clin Exp Dent
; 13(7): e692-e700, 2021 Jul.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1325900
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study evaluated the association between knowledge and management of ventilation and air-conditioning systems (VAC) to avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in health facilities by dentists and demographic variables. MATERIAL ANDMETHODS:
A cross-sectional digital media survey was administered to dentists as part of global research. The core questionnaire was used including four additional questions on VAC (Q1 knowledge, Q2 work settings, Q3 temperature, and Q4 maintenance). A descriptive analysis was conducted for sociodemographic and VAC variables, and bivariate analysis was carried out using different tests.RESULTS:
5370 dentists answered the survey (median age of 45 years; 72.22% women). About half of the respondents said that they knew about the guidelines issued for the management of air conditioners (AC) during the pandemic, and 16.77% have made modifications to their VAC systems during this period. The most frequent AC temperature range used in the dentists' offices during the pandemic was 18°C to 20°C. As age increased, self-reported knowledge about VAC guidelines expanded. Remote and rural regions were perceived to have less knowledge of the guidelines.CONCLUSIONS:
Although perceptions of knowledge about VAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic was high, the temperature in dental offices was colder than that recommended. Greater disclosure of VAC management practices and adherence to VAC management guidelines are required. Key wordsAir conditioning, dentistry, coronavirus.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Language:
English
Journal:
J Clin Exp Dent
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Jced.58119
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS