Knowledge of dentists, dental auxiliaries, and students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess various dental professionals from both governmental and private sectors through online and social media outlets. Results: A total of 1,033 responses were collected (273 dental students, 193 dental auxiliary personnel, 544 dentists). Moreover, 63.4% of respondents (63.4%) were working in hospitals. Of all respondents, 44.9%, 33.4%, and 21.7% were in governmental clinics, academia, and private sector, respectively. Overall knowledge on incubation period and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was consistent across all dental professions. Hand-soap cleaning time was statistically different among dental professionals (p < 0.001). The dental professionals displayed significant disagreement on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 outside the host (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75.1% of respondents were reluctant to treat a suspected COVID-19 patient, and 92% participants believed that the mode of transmission was droplet inhalation. Fever, coughing, and shortness of breath were identified as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most standard methods of prevention in the dental office were selected by at least 50% of participants. Conclusions: Dental professionals on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 seems to be consistent when evaluating the virus incubation period. However, virus survivability and recommended hand soap washing time was significantly variable among the professionals. A high degree of apprehension toward suspected COVID-19 patients existed among all dental professionals. Pandemic-awareness campaigns are essential among healthcare providers.