Dental and Medical Problems

Dent Med Probl
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Dental and Medical Problems

2021, vol. 58, nr 3, July-September, p. 285–290

doi: 10.17219/dmp/134964

Publication type: original article

Language: English

License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

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Qabool H, Sukhia RH, Fida M. Knowledge and awareness of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assist­ants regarding SARS-CoV-2. Dent Med Probl. 2021;58(3):285–290. doi:10.17219/dmp/134964

Knowledge and awareness of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants regarding SARS‑CoV‑2

Hafsa Qabool1,A,B,C,D,E,F, Rashna Hoshang Sukhia1,A,C,E,F, Mubassar Fida1,E,F

1 Section of Dentistry (Orthodontics), Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had drastic effects among healthcare professionals.

Objectives. This study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness among dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants regarding standard patient care guidelines for minimizing the spread of the infection.

Material and methods. A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 84 participants. The participants were divided into groups of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants. A modified version of a validated questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge and awareness regarding SARS-CoV-2 as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Data was analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey’s tests to assess differences in know­ledge regarding the SARS-CoV-2 guidelines across the 3 groups. The simple linear regression analysis was used to examine factors influencing the knowledge scores.

Results. Among all dental specialists, 13 orthodontists, 9 operative dentists, 8 maxillofacial surgeons, 4 prosthodontists, and 1 periodontist responded to the survey. The mean knowledge scores of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants were 10.05 ±2.10, 9.95 ±2.30 and 8.53 ±2.10, respectively. Overall, we found a significant difference (p = 0.02) in the knowledge scores between the groups, and pairwise comparisons showed that there was a significant difference (p = 0.03) in the knowledge scores between dental specialists and dental assistants.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that hospitals should conduct mandatory workshops, training sessions and seminars to raise the awareness of the novel coronavirus pandemic and disinfection protocols, not only for specialists, but for all staff members.

Keywords: cross-infection, health knowledge, attitudes, practice

Introduction

A wave of respiratory tract infections first occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly became the leading challenge for public health globally.1 Due to similarities in the RNA genome to the virus found in the respiratory tract of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the World Health Organization (WHO) named the novel coronavirus responsible for these infections SARS-CoV-2.2

The symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection vary from person to person, and may range from mild fever and a dry cough to severe acute respiratory distress and cardiac arrhythmias due to low oxygen saturation.3, 4 Studies4, 5, 6 have found that this virus is transmitted in the form of droplets via coughing, sneezing or talking with an infected person at a minimal distance.5, 6 For this reason, SARS-CoV-2 is spreading all over the globe irrespective of socioeconomic status, race or continent.7, 8 Due to the high mortality rate and rapid spread of the infection, healthcare professionals declared an emergency at hospitals to ensure patient care.9, 10 The WHO declared dental surgeons to be at the highest risk of infection among healthcare professionals, as SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via oral and nasal secretions in the form of droplets.11 In addition, the probability of transmission is increased in this setting, as dental procedures can generate aerosol while using instrumentation in the oropharyngeal region.12, 13, 14

Due to the fear of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and lockdowns, private and public dental practices faced drastic consequences. However, due to unavoidable maxillofacial emergencies, dental clinics could not shut down completely.15 Therefore, dental surgeons had a huge responsibility to ensure patient safety and care while conducting emergency procedures. Patient safety can only be assured if dental surgeons and dental staff members are properly prepared and well aware of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.16

Researchers have observed that the signs and symptoms, mode and rate of transmission, survival, and rate of recovery/mortality of infected individuals vary geographically.10, 11, 12, 13, 14 However, the WHO provided standard patient care guidelines for healthcare setups all over the world.17 All dental professionals must be well aware of standard infection control protocols to ensure patient safety and care.18, 19 This study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness among dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants regarding the general features of SARS-CoV-2. The secondary objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the level of knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals regarding standard patient care guidelines in controlling the spread of infection. Thus, the null hypothesis of this study was that there is no difference in the knowledge and awareness scores among dental healthcare professionals regarding patient care protocols during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Material and methods

A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May–June 2020 after ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics review committee (No. 2020-5281-11488). A required sample size of 72 participants was calculated using one-sample mean online software (https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/stat/mean/osm_equivalence.htm), selecting a variance of 25, based on an error of estimate of 5, an equivalence limit of 2, a confidence level of 95%, and a power of 80%. Considering the chances of dropouts, the sample size was inflated by 10%, for a total of 84 participants. The participants were divided into 3 groups: dental specialists; general dentists; and dental assistants.

Data was collected using a modified version of a validated questionnaire designed by Khader et al.20 (Table 1) to evaluate the awareness of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants regarding SARS-CoV-2 as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This questionnaire had 2 parts. The 1st part included information on demographics, such as sex, age, workplace, and experience, and the 2nd part consisted of questions regarding the knowledge and awareness of SARS-CoV-2. Among all the options, only one answer was considered to be correct. The maximum score any participant could secure was 15.

The survey was conducted via Google forms and participants were recruited using social media platforms. All participants were asked to fill out the hard and soft copies of the forms. Five reminders were sent to the non-responders before exclusion. The recruitment of participants was done based on the following inclusion criteria: dental specialists with a minimum of 2 years of experience in any specialty; practicing general dentists with 16 years of education; and practicing dental assistants with a minimum of 12 years of education.

Statistical analysis

Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows software, v. 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA), and Software for Statistics and Data Science, v. 12.0 (StataCorp, College Station, USA). The Shapiro–Wilk test showed a normal distribution of the data. The descriptive analyses of the variables were reported using means (M) and standard deviations (SD). The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess differences in the scores of knowledge and awareness regarding SARS-CoV-2 guidelines across the 3 groups of dental healthcare professionals. Pairwise comparison were also performed using post-hoc Tukey’s tests. In addition, the univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the influence of the variables on the knowledge and awareness scores regarding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Results

Demographics

A summary of the descriptive analysis of all variables among the 3 groups is shown in Table 2. The sample included 45 males and 39 females. The comparison of scores across sex found a significant difference (p = 0.03) in knowledge in the univariate analysis.

The mean age of the total sample was 35.17 ±9.5 years.
A comparable mean age was observed across the groups of dental specialists, general dentists and dental assistants. Among dental specialists, 13 were orthodontists, 9 were operative dentists, 8 were maxillofacial surgeons, 4 were prosthodontists, and 1 was a periodontist.

Knowledge scores regarding SARS-CoV-2

The mean knowledge score for dental specialists was 10.05 ±2.10, for general dentists – 9.95 ±2.30 and for dental assistants – 8.53 ±2.10 (Table 3). There was an overall significant difference (p = 0.02) in the knowledge and awareness scores across these groups of dental professionals. Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference (p = 0.03) in the knowledge and awareness scores between dental specialists and dental assistants (Table 4).

Among all dental specialists, we found that the periodontist and orthodontists were well aware of the general CDC guidelines, with the mean scores of 12.0 ±1.1 and 10.4 ±1.6, respectively. The mean scores of operative dentists (10.0 ±1.2) were comparable with those of orthodontists (Table 2). The regression model showed that there were no significant differences in scores between the specialties (Table 5 and Table 6).

We also found that almost 97% of dental healthcare professionals responded accurately with regard to the origin of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its initial symptoms. However, 68% of dental assistants, 60% of general dentists and 42% of dental specialists were not sure about the clinical protocols to minimize cross-infection.

Discussion

In the literature, there are several strategies outlined to deal with the SARS-CoV-2 infection.15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 However, there is still no definitive treatment plan for this infection. The only possible way to deal with this healthcare crisis is to minimize the spread of SARS-CoV-2.14 Studies have found a strong association between the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the lack of knowledge regarding the infection, the personal protective equipment (PPE) and the guidelines for the PPE use among healthcare professionals.10, 14, 20

Dental specialists, however, showed a greater awareness regarding the spread of the virus as compared to dental assistants and general practitioners. This verifies the perceived hypothesis that due to more interest in theoretical knowledge and frequent attendance at the infection control seminars arranged for specialists by the policy-making organizations, dental specialists are more aware. Hence, the null hypothesis was rejected.

Furthermore, healthcare professionals’ knowledge scores indicated the interest of the participants to find a solution to this pandemic. However, we found that only 63% of dental healthcare professionals responded to the survey questions correctly. This can be attributed to the versatile nature of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, the associated myths, confusion among policy makers, and the lack of awareness among dental healthcare professionals.

The lack of awareness regarding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among dental assistants is worrisome, and may lead to drastic consequences for dental healthcare professionals and the patients’ safety. The findings of this study are in agreement with previous studies.20, 21, 22 Nemati et al. conducted a survey on Iranian nurses and found that 94.11% had a low level of knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2.22 This can be attributed to the fact that the researchers conducted their study at the beginning of 2020, when all healthcare professionals were not well aware of the SARS-CoV-2 safety protocols and guidelines.

We also found that dental staff members in the private sector were better aware of SARS-CoV-2 as compared to those working in public hospitals. These results may indicate the lack of resources as well as seminars on infection control protocols, and an increased number of workers of a low socioeconomic status in the public sector.

Another finding was that only 27% of dental professionals were well aware of proper hand hygiene and disinfection techniques after dental procedures. However, Nemati et al. found this percentage to be 57%, which may have been due to the fact that the WHO had recently modified the CDC guidelines on infection control at the time of that study.22 The results suggest that policy makers should take steps to disseminate the updated CDC guidelines and policies among healthcare professionals by arranging frequent meetings and seminars. Also, the WHO should arrange seminars, webinars and meetings with healthcare workers in developing countries to share the updated facts, procedures and protocols to control this pandemic.17

The findings of this study are specifically associated with the South Asian population. However, some studies have shown that variations in the features of transmission of this infection are based on geography and ethnicity.11, 12, 13, 14 This indicates a need for the development of guidelines for all demographic variations. It should be noted that this research was performed on the basic general guideline questionnaire provided by the CDC to restrict the transmission of communicable diseases.

Conclusions

To increase knowledge for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals should conduct mandatory workshops and seminars for all specialists and staff. We can extract the following conclusions from this study: dental healthcare professionals are now more concerned about measures for preventing the spread of the infection; dental specialists are better informed about disinfection protocols and the control of cross-infection as compared to dental assistants; and dental healthcare professionals are at least aware of the guidelines regarding the use of PPE.

Tables


Table 1. Percentage [%] of correct answers among the 3 groups of dental healthcare professionals

Knowledge and awareness regarding novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) questionnaire

Dental healthcare professionals

dental specialists

general dentists

dental assistants

Q.1

Where did the disease outbreak start?

97.1

79.2

96.0

Q.2

What is the name of the virus causing SARS-CoV-2 infection?

45.7

41.7

40.0

Q.3

What is the mode of transmission of this disease?

31.0

50.0

48.0

Q.4

Which age group is most susceptible to the disease?

40.0

66.7

32.0

Q.5

After how many days may an infected person show signs and symptoms?

85.0

54.2

52.0

Q.6

What are the signs and symptoms of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection?

91.4

100.0

84.0

Q.7

If a person had contact with an infected person, what should he/she do?

71.4

83.3

52.0

Q.8

What are the chances of recovery after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2?

74.3

79.8

60.0

Q.9

What should a person with a recent travel history and symptoms do?

85.7

66.7

20.0

Q.10

What is the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2?

42.9

33.3

60.0

Q.11

What are the possible complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection?

85.7

95.8

56.0

Q.12

Which profession is considered at the highest risk of being infected
with SARS-CoV-2 by the WHO?

60.0

50.0

72.0

Q.13

What is the PPE protocol for dentists while treating an asymptomatic patient with a history of exposure to a SARS-CoV-2- positive patient?

97.1

70.8

96.0

Q.14

Which of the following hand hygiene techniques can prevent the transmission of infection among dentists?

80.0

37.5

48.0

Q.15

What is the preferred method of hand hygiene for healthcare professionals?

17.1

37.5

32.0
PPE – personal protective equipment.
Table 2. Descriptive statistics for the participants

Profession

Sex
n (%)

Age
[years]
M ±SD

Experience
[years]
M ±SD

Workplace
n

Knowledge scores
M ±SD

Dental assistants

M = 17 (68.0)
F = 8 (32.0)

34.6 ±11.4

8.8 ±6.8

PuH = 19
PH = 4
PC = 2

8.7 ±2.1

General dentists

M = 13 (54.2)
F = 11 (45.8)

31.5 ±5.8

8.7 ±7.4

PuH = 14
PH = 5
PC = 5

9.9 ±2.6

Orthodontists

M = 5 (38.5)
F = 8 (61.5%)

35.6 ±4.8

10.0 ±5.2

PuH = 2
PH = 10
PC = 1

10.4 ±1.6

Operative dentists

M = 2 (22.2)
F = 7 (77.8)

30.5 ±7.0

8.2 ±5.3

PuH = 2
PH = 7

10.0 ±1.2

Maxillofacial surgeons

M = 3 (37.5)
F = 5 (62.5)

45.8 ±9.5

23.6 ±12.5

PuH = 2
PH = 6

89.2 ±3.7

Prosthodontists

M = 4 (100)

47.2 ±5.9

19.0 ±1.1

PH = 4

10.2 ±1.2

Periodontists

M = 1 (100)

36.0 ±0.0

4.0 ±0.0

PH = 1

12.0 ±1.1
N = 84; M – male; F – female; M – mean; SD – standard deviation; PuH – public hospital; PH – private hospital; PC – private clinic.
Table 3. Comparison of the knowledge scores across the groups of dental healthcare professionals (one-way ANOVA)

Profession

Knowledge scores

p-value

Dental specialists
n = 35

10.05 ±2.10

0.02*

General dentists
n = 24

9.95 ±2.30

Dental assistants
n = 25

8.53 ±2.10
N = 84; * statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05).
Table 5. Factors influencing the knowledge scores among dental healthcare professionals (simple linear regression model)

Variables

Beta coefficient

95% CI

p-value

R2

Male sex

−0.02

−1.04, 1.00

0.96

0.001

Age [years]
(20–30 as reference)

31–40

0.59

−4.38, 1.66

0.25

0.250

41–50

−0.21

−1.58, 1.15

0.75

51–60

2.90

0.90, 4.91

≤0.001**

>60

−8.29

−12.50, −4.07

≤0.001**

Profession
(general dentists as reference)

dental assistants

−1.43

−2.75, −0.12

0.03*

0.110

orthodontists

0.50

−1.07, 2.08

0.52

operative dentists

0.04

−1.75, 1.83

0.96

maxillofacial surgeons

0.70

−2.58, 1.16

0.45

prosthodontists

0.04

−2.43, 2.52

0.97

periodontist

2.04

−2.64, 6.73

0.38

Workplace
(private hospitals as reference)

public hospitals

1.31

−0.63, 2.89

0.20

0.040

private clinics

−1.58

−1.51, 1.19

0.81
N = 84; CI – confidence interval; * statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05); ** statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001).
Table 6. Factors influencing the knowledge scores among dental healthcare professionals (multivariable linear regression model)

Variables

Beta coefficient

95% CI

p-value

R2

Age [years]
(20–30 as reference)

31–40

0.34

−0.77, 1.46

0.53

0.370

41–50

−1.47

−3.19, 0.25

0.09

51–60

2.25

0.24, 4.25

0.02*

>60

−9.84

−14.24, −5.44

≤0.001**

Profession
(general dentists as reference)

dental assistants

−1.32

−2.75, −0.12

0.03*

0.370

orthodontists

0.55

−1.07, 2.08

0.52

operative dentists

0.12

−1.75, 1.83

0.96

maxillofacial surgeons

1.12

−2.58, 1.16

0.45

prosthodontists

1.92

−2.43, 2.52

0.97

periodontist

1.17

−2.64, 6.73

0.38
N = 84; * statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05); ** statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001).
Table 4. Pairwise comparisons among dental healthcare professionals (Tukey’s post hoc test)

Comparison

p-value

Dental specialists vs dental assistants

0.03*

Dental specialists vs general dentists

0.98

General dentists vs dental assistants

0.07
N = 84; * statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05).

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