Adapting to Pandemic Challenges: Thai Dentists’ Response to COVID-19 Infection Control (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed emotional challenges for dentists. This study aimed to evaluate the concerns, risk perceptions, and compliance with infection control practices among Thai dentists during and shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Insights from this assessment are intended to offer practical strategies to enhance dentists’ readiness for future outbreaks.Methods A questionnaire evaluating dentists’ perceptions of COVID-19 infection and precautionary measures was generated via Google Forms™ and distributed to Thai dentists during the late pandemic period (June-September 2022).Results Of the 467 respondents, 44.3% reported the highest concern level for infection risk when treating emergency patients potentially exposed to COVID-19. Regarding the infection risk in dental practice, 30.6% perceived the highest contracting risk, while 24.6% perceived the highest transmission risk. Notably, 49.7% expressed high confidence in the ability of the vaccine to reduce COVID-19 severity. Eighty-eight percent of the patients supported the continuation of pandemic-era precautionary measures even in the absence of disease. N95 mask usage in dental settings markedly increased during the outbreak. Many dental procedures were not adequately adapted to COVID-19 infection control measures, and personal protective equipment was insufficient. Factors influencing COVID-19 risk perception in dental treatment included gender, involvement in aerosol-generating procedures, and availability of protective equipment.Conclusion Thai dentists expressed significant concerns about the risk of contracting COVID-19 in their practice. The participants had strong confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccines in reducing symptom severity. The majority of the participants supported the continued implementation of pandemic-initiated precautionary measures. Sex, aerosol-generating procedures, and protective equipment availability were key factors influencing dentists’ risk perception. These insights underscore the need for improved infection control measures and resources in dental settings, both to address current concerns and to enhance preparedness for future health crises.