General Dentists’ Approach towards Infection Control Measures in Dental Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aims: The global spread of coronavirus disease in 2019 necessitated some modifications in infection control measures in dental practice. This study aimed to assess the changes in general dentists’ approach towards infection control measures in dental practice in Rasht city, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instrument Methods: This study was conducted on 250 general dentists in Rasht city. The approach of general dentists towards infection control measures was evaluated using a researcher-designed questionnaire with four domains of patient screening, adherence of office staff to preventive measures, patient admission measures, and use of infection control equipment. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 24, an independent t-test, and ANOVA. Findings: The results showed that 46.4% of dentists had a good approach towards infection control measures in dental practice. Of the four domains, dental clinicians acquired the maximum score in adherence of office staff to preventive measures (2.46±0.69) and the minimum score in patient admission measures (1.47±0.96). The acquired score was 2.33±1 in the use of infection control equipment and 2.1±0.89 in patient screening. parameters revealed no significant correlation with age, gender, work experience, or some working days per week (p 0.35). Conclusion: The results showed a maximum change in dental clinicians’ approach toward the use of personal protective equipment, efficient infection control equipment, and office disinfection. The minimum change was noted in patient screening and admission. With an increase in the national rate of vaccination against COVID-19, the vaccination card or QR code is expected to be required as a prerequisite for patient admission, which would improve the patient admission domain.