Percepción sobre conocimientos y prácticas de bioseguridad respecto al riesgo de contagio por COVID-19 entre profesionales de Odontología.

Abstract

Introduction. Professionals in dental care are exposed to biological fluids that put them at risk by predisposing them to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The perceived risk of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic is unknown. Objective. To evaluate the perception of knowledge and risk of spread of SARS CoV-2 through the implementation of biosafety measures by dental professionals, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the second half of 2020. Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 140 general and specialist dentists. A questionnaire with 15 questions was applied to measure the perception of knowledge and risk against COVID-19, through the implementation of the guidelines developed by World Health Organization (WHO) for the care of patients in dental offices. Results. The sample was mostly females 77.9% with a range of 23-72 years old. Half of the respondents reported working as specialists and 90% working in the private sector. 100% considered to know the mode of COVID-19 transmission. 81,4% expressed had received training on the proper use of personal protection items during the pandemic. 17.1% have not used the N95 mask. Telephone screening prior to dental care is performed by 87.1%. The mouthwash prior to handling is enforced by 84.3% of the dental professionals. Conclusion. Disclosure reinforcements are required about current pandemic regulations for patient care in dental offices.