Evaluation of viewpoint of some Iranian people about dental care and coronavirus transmission: A preliminary study

BACKGROUND an‎d AIM: Due to numerous scientific evidence, the probability of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in dental care is high. Are people aware of this? How much they believe in transmission of this disease through dental care? The current study investigates this issue for the first time. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted in April 25, 2020, a checklist was prepared for Iranian society, and they were asked to state their viewpoint about dental care and coronavirus transmission. This checklist consists of three simple questions; these questions were provided through a news site via a link for a one week. The answers were statistically analyzed and reported in table and diagram. RESULTS: The answers of the questions were received from 1183 individuals. Eight hundred and twelve individuals (69%) believed that risk of transmission of coronavirus was about 70%-100% in case of not adhering to protective protocols. Eight hundred and eighty-two (75%) participants responded that they would not go to any dental clinic if they had oro-dental problems. CONCLUSION: Majority of the people are aware of risk of transmission of coronavirus during performing dental treatments; therefore, dentists and dentistry staff should not reopen their offices in the pandemic condition of COVID-19. In case of reopening, they should delay the elective procedures and reduce days and hours of work.