COVID-19 protocols in dental office and its awareness among parents;a survey-based study among the parents attending Riyadh Elm University clinics

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 has changed the overall perception of public towards infection control and people are mainly concerned about their family's safety when planning a visit to the dental office. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted among the parents of pediatric patients using an online survey. 519 parents were contacted in the two campuses of REU. Results: 45.3% participants felt that a visit to dental clinic is more dangerous than public places, 11% were not worried about contracting virus from dental clinic, fathers were more positive since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic (24.9%). Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge and awareness regarding dental clinics infection protocol among the study participants is satisfactory.