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The COVID-19 virus is highly infectious, and it places both patients and dental health care providers at high risk for contracting the disease. Therefore, it is crucial for dental teams to practice preventative measures against COVID-19 by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), handwashing, ensuring adequate ventilation and sticking to strict protocols when conducting aerosol-generating procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online platform was conducted to assess dentists’ knowledge, attitude and awareness of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher exact test were performed. Results: One hundred and ninety-two dentists participated in the survey. The age group, 30–39, comprised 40.6% of the respondents. General dentists comprised 80.7% of the sample. The majority of the respondents evaluated their awareness of COVID-19 as above average. There was no difference in knowledge between dentists and specialists regarding routes of transmission and preventative techniques. More female dentists reported feeling anxious and fearful. Conclusions: There was a high level of agreement between different professionals about the preventative measures, routes of transmission and incubation period. There was a lot of variation in knowledge about the survivability of the virus on innate objects. More education campaigns, seminars, and rehabilitation services targeting dentists in Trinidad and Tobago are required.

This cross-sectional survey was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of fractured incisors in 11–12-year-olds. In addition we explored the relationship with overjet, incompetent lips, incisor inclination and to determine if there was any association with ethnicity and gender. All permanent incisors were examined in 672 children comprising 356 females (53.1%) and 315 males (46.9%). The sample comprised 11–12-year-olds in high schools across Trinidad and Tobago. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Chi-square test, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression. The prevalence of fractured incisors was 18.9%. Boys presented with an increased incidence of fractured incisors than girls. 86.3% of dental trauma was untreated. The average overjet of subjects with fractured incisors was 4.2 mm. 18.62% of subjects with fractured incisors had incompetent lips. The most common malocclusion (18.81%) with fractured incisors was class 2 division 1. The Afro-Trinidadian ethnicity had the highest prevalence of fractured incisors (11.0%) when compared to mixed ethnicities, which was statistically significant. Maxillary central incisors were the most commonly injured teeth. Most patients delayed in seeking dental treatment for fractured incisors in our population. Early orthodontic treatment is recommended to help reduce the risk of dental trauma.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the delivery of the curriculum of dental schools. The psychological impact and coping strategies of dental students in Trinidad and Tobago are a matter of concern. In this study, dental students were asked to evaluate their mental health and coping strategies regarding COVID-19. Methods: A survey was conducted using an online platform. Demographic data was collected and the psychological impact was assessed. Participants were also questioned on their coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and a logistic regression were performed. Results: A total of 108 out of 137 students participated. Their mean age was 22.96 years. High levels of stress (59.26%), anxiety (64.81%) and depression (76.85%) were observed among dental students. Nationality and gender played a significant role in the students' mental health scores. Female students were more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression than males (exp[β] = −0.38, −0.21, and −2.31). There were various coping mechanisms deployed by dental students. Conclusion: The elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression in these dental students emphasize the need for psychological intervention.

Objective: The purpose of this study was 1) to identify the factors that affect dental students' decision to pursue specialisations and different career paths.2) to identify the most common speciality of interest and factors that influence that decision. 3) to determine if there is a significant difference in factor selection by gender. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was formulated. The sample population consisted of clinical dental students and interns of The University of the West Indies. Participants were then asked about their plans after leaving dental school and questioned if they wish to specialise and the main reasons. Factors influencing their choices were assessed using a 5 point Likert scale. They were also asked about their preferred work sector. Results: Fifty-six dental students responded and this gave a response rate of 55.4%. Males comprised 14.3% and females 85.7% of the sample. 80.4% of the respondents reported a desire to pursue a specialist career. The most preferred speciality was Aesthetic Dentistry (n = 12, 21.4%) followed by respondents who preferred not to specialise (n = 11, 19.6%) and then Paediatric Dentistry (n = 8, 14.3%). Overall, participants reported personal preference, flexible work schedule and job security were the three most important factors for selecting a career path. Most participants preferred to work in the private sector. There was no association with gender and choosing a specialist career. Conclusion: This study shows the most desired career choices and specialities. There is a need to encourage students to steer towards general dentistry, the public sector and academia. The results show a baseline for national policies and possible postgraduate programmes of interest for this country.