Dentists’ Perceptions of their SARS-CoV-2 Risk and Infection Control Needs

Sánchez-Pérez, Leonor; de Antuñano, Dámaris Sosa; Perea-Pérez, Bernardo; Labajo-González, Elena; Acosta-Gio, A. Enrique

Rapid worldwide dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted dental professionals to optimize their infection control procedures. OBJECTIVE: To help identify areas of opportunity for protecting dentists and their patients, the aim of this investigation was to analyze dentists’ early perceptions of their risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and their need for comprehensive infection control education in Mexico. 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 specialization. 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 five-point Likert-type scale. RESULTS: The survey's link received 1,524 “clicks.” Over 25 days, 996 dentists participated (39% males, 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=0.0001) among dentists in Mexico (76%) than among those in other countries (53%). Knowing someone with COVID-19 was more common among Mexican dentists (P=0.0008). The perceived need for enhanced infection control procedures increased with age (P=0.0001). Forty-nine percent totally agreed that they sterilize dental handpieces between patients. One-third expressed total agreement that everyone in their clinic was trained in infection control. Conclusions. Among this non-probabilistic 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.