Title of article :
Investigating the observance frequency of the requirements for providing dental services during the COVID-19 epidemic in dental offices in Sari, Iran, in 2020
Author/Authors :
Koochak Dezfouli, Mohammad Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology - School of Dentistry - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences - Sari, Iran , Alizadeh-Navaei, Reza Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences - Sari, Iran , Ajorlou, Amirhossein , Zamanzadeh, Maryam Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology - School of Dentistry - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences - Sari, Iran
Abstract :
BACKGROUND and AIM: Given the nature of the dental profession, the tools and equipment used, and the direct contact with saliva and mucous membranes, it is crucial to observe all infection control principles. Due to the high prevalence and risks of coronavirus, and its novelty, and the sensitivity of dental work, the present study was conducted to investigate the observance frequency of requirements for providing dental services during the COVID-19 epidemic in dental offices in Sari, Iran. METHODS: In the present study, 181 dentists, including 147 general dentists and 34 dental specialists, in Sari were surveyed. To collect data, the checklist of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education was used. It includes questions about the use of rubber dam, high-pressure suction, appropriate ventilation, air disinfection device, screening and triage of clients, and so on. After completing the checklist and determining the score, the data were statistically analyzed. Descriptive statistics (frequency analysis) and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. The statistical significant level was considered at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest observance frequency of the requirements was related to Requirement 14 (observing the distance between clients' chairs) with a frequency of 97.2%, followed by Requirement 2 (the use of high-pressure suction), Requirement 7 (package of separate sterile disposable devices for each patient), and Requirement 15 (removal of all common devices from the waiting room) with a frequency of 97.0%. The highest observance frequency of preferences was related to Preference 4 (the use of one-way valves in the unit) with a frequency of 96.7%. Regarding employment history, dentists with more than 15 years of employment history observed only the item of waste disposal items in accordance with the health protocol significantly more than dentists with less employment history (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In general, most dentists who participated in this study observed the health protocols to an acceptable level. Dental specialists observed most of the requirements more than general dentists.
