Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices of Dental Professionals Regarding the Infection Control Guidelines for Dentistry Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers faced by dental health care professionals (DHCP) regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control guidelines in dental settings and summary (2003, 2016) prior to onset of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used to create a 42-item electronic survey. A convenience sample of dental assistants registered dental hygienists, and dentists (n=397) was recruited through professional dental social media groups, face-to-face recruitment, and snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The completion rate was 66.7% (n=265). The mean knowledge score for the CDC infection control guidelines was 58%. Less than half (39%) of the respondents were able to correctly identify hand hygiene as the most important measure in preventing the spread of infections among patients and DHCP. One third (33%) of the respondents were unaware of the CDC guidelines regarding respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette measures in dental settings. Participants indicated that the greatest barrier in following infection control guidelines was a heavy workload (37%), followed by time restraints (25%), and expense (15%).

Conclusion: Although DHCPs reported familiarity (perceived knowledge) with 2003/2016 CDC infection control guidelines in dentistry, their knowledge and practices were inadequate. This information may serve as a baseline for future consideration of infection control continuing education as a requirement for licensure, particularly given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.