"COVID-19 and Dental workers: The Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP) Survey ".

Discepoli, Nicola; Raspini, Mario; Landi, Luca; Sforza, Nicola; Crea, Alessandro; Cavalcanti, Raffaele; Cairo, Francesco

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the proportion of COVID-19 infections among a population of Italian Dental workers across different geographical area of Italy and to analyse the impact of both the preventive measures/strategies adopted and the psychological influences. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The current cross-sectional survey was administered with a web-based form. To be eligible for the study, participants had to be 18 years and being dentists or dental hygienists members of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP). A 23-item questionnaire concerning positiveness to COVID-19, clinical strategies and psychological attitude within the pandemic was administered. Sub-group analysis was conducted according to geographical macro area. RESULTS A total of 790 dentists and dental hygienists were included. A total of 4.7% participants developed a positive diagnosis to COVID-19. The Northwest of Italy experienced almost double of COVID-19 positive participants (p<0.05). Preoperatory mouthwashes together with natural air change/ventilation were the most frequent approaches used to prevent COVID-19 outbreak. Positive and proactive attitudes were predominant among participants. Only a reduced proportion feels some concerns for the future. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of positive COVID-19 among dental workers in Italy was double in Northwest area in comparison to the whole country proportion. Preventive strategies comprise mainly ultrasound reduction and preoperative mouthwashes.