RT Journal Article
T1 Dentists’ perceptions of their sars-cov-2 risk and infection control needs
A1 Sánchez Pérez, Leonor
A1 Sosa de Antuñano, Dámaris
A1 Perea Pérez, Bernardo
A1 Labajo González, Elena
A1 Acosta Gío, A. Enrique
AB Objective: Rapid worldwide dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted dental professionals to optimise their infection control procedures. To help identify areas of opportunity for protecting dentists and their patients, the aim of this investigation was to analyse Mexican dentists' early perceptions of their risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and their need for comprehensive infection control education.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 9 to June 3, 2020, during the social distancing phase in Mexico. The survey adhered to relevant guidelines for ethical research design. The questionnaire was designed with Google Surveys and applied online in Spanish. The questionnaire included items on demographics and clinical specialisation. To obtain time-sensitive perceptions, statements were preceded by "While SARS-CoV-2 circulates in the community and new COVID-19 cases are reported"; responses were collected in a 5-point Likert-type scale.Results: The survey's link received 1524 "clicks." Over 25 days, 996 dentists participated (39% men; 89% working in Mexico and 11% in other Spanish-speaking Latin American countries). Most participants (73%) fully agreed that "Looking after patients will pose a risk for the dentist." Total agreement was more common (P = .0001) amongst dentists in Mexico (76%) than amongst those in other countries (53%). Knowing someone with COVID-19 was more common amongst Mexican dentists (P = .0008). The perceived need for enhanced infection control procedures increased with age (P = .0001). Forty-nine percent totally agreed that they sterilise dental handpieces between patients. One-third expressed total agreement that everyone in their clinic was trained in infection control.Conclusions: Amongst this nonprobabilistic self-selected sample of dentists, age and country of work influenced their perceptions about occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and infection control needs. This survey revealed areas of opportunity to improve infection control education and training for dental professionals.
PB Elsevier
SN 0020-6539
YR 2021
FD 2021-07-19
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/115755
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/115755
LA eng
NO Sánchez-Pérez L, Sosa de Antuñano L, Perea-Pérez B, Labajo-González E, Acosta-Gio AE. Dentists' Perceptions of Their SARS-CoV-2 Risk and Infection Control Needs. Int Dent J . 2022 Apr;72(2):216-222.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 7 abr 2025