Knowledge and Attitude of Polish Dental Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Anna Turska-Szybka, Maria Prokopczyk, Piotr Winkielman and Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk
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Anna Turska-Szybka: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Binieckiego 6 Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
Maria Prokopczyk: Student Scientific Society at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Binieckiego 6 Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Winkielman: Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Binieckiego 6 Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-17

Abstract: Objectives: This study analyzed Polish dentists’ knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main problems in their work during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods: Dentists responded to an online anonymous survey consisting of 57 questions relating to socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, and office procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, significance of dependencies and Chi square and Mann–Whitney tests; p < 0.05. Results: Ultimately, responses from 730 dentists were included. The mean age was 43.62 ± 11.57. Almost 3/4 of the respondents followed the information on COVID-19. A total of 95.5% had knowledge about COVID-19. Genetic testing was the basic test according to 69.2%. Further, 56.0% were concerned about the pandemic, and 23.6% were significantly anxious. In addition, 42.1% considered a risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace as very high. A total of 84.0% admitted patients performing a triage and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Further, 44.5% planned to become vaccinated. Continuing the work during the pandemic was strongly correlated with age, sector, and location and duration of work. Conclusions: Most Polish dentists follow the information on the COVID-19 protocol and have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Dentists are concerned and anxious about the situation. The vast majority admitted patients during the pandemic and use PPE. Only almost half plan to be vaccinated.

Keywords: COVID-19; dentist; pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; awareness; personal protective equipment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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