<p>Awareness Toward COVID-19 Precautions Among Different Levels of Dental Students in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</p>

Abstract

Purpose The risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among dental professionals is high because they are exposed to aerosol production and body fluids during dental procedures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness among the dental students regarding COVID-19. Materials and Methods An online cross-sectional questionnaire with three sections (knowledge, attitudes, practice) was completed by 412 postgraduate and undergraduate dental students and interns from King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. Results The overall mean survey score was 9.56±1.19 out of 15. A mean score of 2.31±0.32 was recorded for level of knowledge among the dental professionals that indicated a fair level of knowledge among the participants. Similarly, a mean score of 6.5±0.45 was recorded for attitude of dental professionals towards COVID-19 that indicated a moderate level of attitude. “Novel COVID-19 virus transmits through droplets,” and “masks should be worn most of the time to prevent infection spread,” had the lowest correct answer rates. The practice had a low mean score of 0.81±0.22. The results depicted statistically significant differences in knowledge, with postgraduate students having the highest mean scores, followed by interns and undergraduate students. Conclusion Despite attaining fair scores on knowledge and attitudes, the low practice scores highlight the need for urgent strategies to prevent infection among dental students, including mandatory crash courses and hands-on protection measures.

Dental Professional’s Knowledge, Preventive Awareness and Attitude Towards COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…However, graduates/general practitioners demonstrated significantly higher preventive awareness than undergraduates. This finding contradicts the study reported by Al-Jasser et al (2020) 28 in which postgraduate students had the highest mean knowledge ranks, followed by interns and undergraduate students. Several studies with similar outcomes are reported from Saudi Arabia.…”

“…A possible explanation could be that respiratory infections' knowledge was somewhat lower among dental professionals than the other healthcare workers, 24 even though dental care involves the patient proximity by the dental professionals. 28 Nevertheless, a sample of dental professionals in this study could correctly identify the main symptoms of COVID-19, as evidenced by multiple responses analysis in which fever, cough, shortness of breath, followed by other COVID-19 symptoms. It helps dental professionals recognize the potential risk of COVID-19 and take the possible actions in management 25 and control the spread of contagion.…”

“…A possible explanation could be that respiratory infections’ knowledge was somewhat lower among dental professionals than the other healthcare workers, 24 even though dental care involves the patient proximity by the dental professionals. 28 …”

Covid-19 Knowledge and Perceptions Among Dental Specialists: A Cross-Sectional Online Questionnaire Survey

“…This study was conducted among the dental students hence the present study findings were not comparable. A few studies [30][31][32][33][34] from various countries had have been reported on knowledge and perceptions regarding COVID-19 among dentists.…”

Dentistry Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Among the Saudi Arabian Dental Students

“…The respondents were questions about their adherence to safety protocols, and it was noted that 93% wore PPE models and 95% maintained social distancing guidelines. These numbers indicate awareness of required measures and implementation of set standards for infection control ( 26 ). However, despite relaxation regarding dental procedures that are allowed and precautionary measures, the majority (44%) still preferred to handle only emergency cases.…”