General dentists’ approach towards infection control measures in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Aims: The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 necessitated some modifications in infection control measures in dental practice. This study aimed to assess the changes in general dentists’ approach towards infection control measures in dental practice in Rasht city, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted on 250 general dentists in Rasht city. The approach of general dentists towards infection control measures was evaluated using a researcher-designed questionnaire with four domains of patient screening, adherence of office staff to preventive measures, patient admission measures, and use of infection control equipment. Some demographic, educational, and occupational parameters were also recorded (alpha=0.05). Findings: 46.4% of dentists had good approach towards infection control measures in dental practice. Of the four domains, dental clinicians acquired the maximum score in adherence of office staff to preventive measures (2.46±0.69), and minimum score in patient admission measures (1.47±0.96). The acquired score was 2.33±1 in use of infection control equipment and 2.1±0.89 in patient screening. parameters revealed no significant correlation with age, gender, work experience, or number of working days per week (P>0.35). Conclusion: The results showed maximum change in dental clinicians’ approach towards the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), efficient infection control equipment, and office disinfection. Minimum change was noted in patient screening and admission. By an increase in the national rate of vaccination against the COVID-19, the vaccination card or QR code are expected to be required as a prerequisite for patient admission, which would improve the patient admission domain. © 2022, Tarbiat Modares University. All rights reserved.