Authors: Samreen Aqeel , Saood Khan Lodhi , Saroosh Ehsan , Adeela Rafique

Abstract

Background and Objective:  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the latest infectious disease to rapidly spread worldwide. The role of dental professionals in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is critically important while providing routine dental care. The objective of this study was to assess the attitude and perception of dentists to provide treatment to patients and form a general consensus for future dental protocols.

Methods:  Data collection was done using a well-structured web-based questionnaire (Google forms). The survey form was distributed by sending the link via email, WhatsApp and other online forums. Data were collected from n = 299 participants and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Frequencies and percentages were determined for qualitative variables whereas mean ± standard deviation was calculated for quantitative variables.

Results:  A total of n = 299 responses were collected. Approximately 90.6% of the respondents were young clinicians with years of experience 1 – 9 years. Most of the respondents i.e. 70.9% were more inclined towards performing only non-aerosol generating procedures. Ninety five percent agreed upon training of dentists and dental chair side assistants regarding donning and doffing of PPEs and 91% preferred to go for high volume suction for aerosol generating procedures. Ninety four percent of the respondents strongly recommended to check for every patient reporting to dental clinic.

Conclusion:  Majority of the dentists are well aware of the current crisis, but trends of ambiguities have been seen regarding adaptation of particular protocol for the dental treatment. Intervention from Government is required to establish proper dental guidelines including provision of PPEs so that treatment could be provided with the best of facilities to the poor patients as well.

Keywords: COVID-19, Dental Emergency, Future protocols, Pandemic.