Perceptions and usage of masks among dental professionals – The impact of COVID

Abstract

Objectives: As per the World Health Organization, the usage of mouth masks, hand washing, and social distancing as a part of a comprehensive package were the primary non-pharmacological methods that were effectively used as early prevention and control strategies against COVID-19. The habitual use of medical masks/mouth masks by dentists plays a significant role in reducing the occupational inhalation of aerosols, saliva, microorganisms, blood, tooth particles, restorative materials, etc., from the patient’s mouth/airway. The study was conducted to assess the influence of the pandemic on perceptions and usage of masks among dentists. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted online. The target population was dental practitioners, dental house surgeons, postgraduate students, and teaching faculty in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of questions on professional data – designation, type of practice, and experience. The second part consisted of 18 questions to assess the perception and usage of masks. Results: The final sample size was 207. About 40% of the respondents (n = 81) were faculty/practitioners. The rest were house surgeons/postgraduate students. Over 60% of the respondents had treated patients during the pandemic. About 57% reported having done aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Over 93% of them reported that the pandemic has changed the preference for masks for non-AGP. Over 91% followed the recommended guideline for mask disposal. Over 96% of the study participants agreed that the pandemic has increased their awareness regarding the use of masks. About 76% felt that dentists were better protected against COVID infection due to the habitual wearing of masks as a part of their profession. About 86% felt that the change in mask practices will continue after the pandemic. Conclusion: The perceptions and knowledge regarding the usage, selection, and disposal of masks among the population studied have improved following the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering dental professionals as a cohort involved in regular usage of masks for decades, better knowledge and practice related to the use of masks is warranted.