DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2022.v09i01.002

Pages: 6-13

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of dental office environment during the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic, and attitude towards seeking dental treatment and care in a sample of participants who have access to dental care. Materials and Methods A structured 42 question survey questionnaire was utilized as the study instrument. The survey addressed three areas of knowledge regarding infection transmission in dental clinics, infection control measures used in dental clinics, and general knowledge about COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were presented. Associations between knowledge and attitude scales and demographic characteristics were evaluated. Results A total of 757 participants completed the survey. The study found that around one half of the respondents before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic would be regular visitors to the dentists. Approximately half reported visiting the dental clinic during the COVID-19 outbreak. Respondents reported the main sources of information they used to obtain information about the COVID-19 pandemic from official websites. There was a positive relationship between higher income and educational levels and greater knowledge concerning infection transmission in dental clinics and general knowledge about COVID-19. A significant positive relationship was found between the level of knowledge concerning infection transmission in dental clinics and agreement with the additional control measures taken during the pandemic. Conclusions The study population did not have an accurate understanding of the routes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus yet had a fair amount of knowledge about general infection control measures. Poor knowledge was associated with an increased perceived sense of security regarding seeking dental treatment among respondents.