Knowledge, attitude and awareness levels of dentists in Saudi Arabia regarding COVID-19 pandemic

Abduljalil, M.; Gunal-Abduljalil, B.; Almasri, A.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is a severe acute respiratory infection spreading worldwide. Sufficient dentists' knowledge, attitudes and correct practices are crucial for the prevention of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia and all other countries. The objectives of this study were to understand the levels of knowledge, awareness and attitude of dentists in Saudi Arabia regarding Covid-19, and to investigate their treatment approaches in dental practices both before and during the pandemic. METHODS: This questionnaire was prepared in May 2020 and distributed to dentists working in Saudi Arabia who were members at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and Saudi Dental Society. In order to pick the study subjects from our sampling frame, a simple random sampling methodology was used. The questionnaire comprised of a series of questions pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, the knowledge and attitudes of dentists toward Covid-19, and dental approach before and during the pandemic. The data was statistically analysed to determine any significant association between the dentists' workplace and the measures followed in the dental clinic (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Four hundred and twelve dentists completed the questionnaire forming a response rate of 52%. The majority of dentists showed a high level of knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding Covid-19. There was an association between the workplace and preventive measures in the dental clinic (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of dentists in this survey had high knowledge and awareness of Covid-19. Most of them followed the recommended preventive measures in their clinics. As Saudi Arabia still suffers from outbreaks of Covid-19 infection, continuous assessment of dentists' knowledge and practice is crucial.