Knowledge Of Dentists About The Prevention Of COVID-19 Exposure In The Implementation Of Dentistry Radiography In Medan City

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Introduction

The implementation of dental radiography is a crucial procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this procedure poses a high risk of virus transmission due to direct exposure to saliva, droplets, and aerosols from patients. This study aims to measure the level of knowledge of dentists in Medan about the prevention of COVID-19 exposure during the implementation of dental radiography.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive observational method with a cross-sectional approach, involving 150 dentists in Medan City. Data was collected through an online questionnaire using Google Forms, and analyzed descriptively using percentages and categorized into three assessment levels: good, moderate, and low.

Results

The results showed that 44.7% of respondents had good knowledge about the prevention of COVID-19 exposure, 38% had moderate knowledge, and 17.3% had low knowledge. Overall, the knowledge of dentists in Medan regarding the prevention of COVID-19 exposure in dental radiography falls into the good category.

Discussion

Although most dentists have good knowledge, the results of this study remain alarming. The percentage of respondents with moderate and low knowledge indicates that there is still room for improvement in awareness and implementation of COVID-19 prevention protocols in the field. Several factors may contribute to the low knowledge and application of this protocol, including:

Lack of Education and Training

Dentists may not receive adequate information and training regarding the COVID-19 prevention protocol in the implementation of dental radiography. This lack of education and training can lead to a lack of understanding and application of prevention protocols.

Limited Resources

The availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adequate sterilization equipment may be an obstacle in several clinics. This limitation can hinder the effective implementation of prevention protocols.

Lack of Awareness

Awareness about the dangers of COVID-19 exposure and the importance of prevention protocols may not be fully embedded in the minds of some dentists. This lack of awareness can lead to a lack of compliance with prevention protocols.

Conclusion

To increase knowledge and application of prevention protocols, several steps can be taken:

Improving Education and Training

Comprehensive education and training increases for dentists regarding the prevention of COVID-19, especially in the implementation of dental radiography, is very important. This training should include material about the use of appropriate PPE, sterilization techniques, and protocols for handling COVID-19 patients.

Provision of Resources

Government and professional organizations need to ensure the availability of adequate PPE and sterilization equipment in each dental clinic. This provision of resources can facilitate the effective implementation of prevention protocols.

Socialization and Campaign

Massive socialization and educational campaigns about the importance of COVID-19 prevention protocols need to be done on an ongoing basis to increase awareness and compliance of dentists.

Recommendations

Increasing knowledge and application of protocol prevention of COVID-19 exposure in tooth radiography is very important to protect the health of dentists and patients. Through joint efforts, it is hoped that a safe and comfortable dental practice environment can be created for all parties.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The sample size was limited to 150 dentists in Medan City.
  • The study only measured the level of knowledge of dentists regarding the prevention of COVID-19 exposure and did not assess the actual implementation of prevention protocols.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  • Conducting a larger-scale study to assess the level of knowledge and implementation of prevention protocols among dentists in other cities.
  • Developing and implementing effective education and training programs for dentists regarding the prevention of COVID-19 exposure.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of socialization and campaign efforts in increasing awareness and compliance of dentists regarding prevention protocols.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, it is hoped that a more comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and implementation of prevention protocols among dentists can be achieved, ultimately leading to a safer and more comfortable dental practice environment for all parties.

Q: What is the main risk of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry radiography?

A: The main risk of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry radiography is the direct exposure to saliva, droplets, and aerosols from patients, which can lead to the spread of the virus.

Q: What is the current level of knowledge among dentists in Medan about the prevention of COVID-19 exposure?

A: According to the study, 44.7% of respondents had good knowledge about the prevention of COVID-19 exposure, 38% had moderate knowledge, and 17.3% had low knowledge.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to the low knowledge and application of COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists?

A: The factors that contribute to the low knowledge and application of COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists include lack of education and training, limited resources, and lack of awareness.

Q: What can be done to improve the knowledge and application of COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists?

A: To improve the knowledge and application of COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists, several steps can be taken, including improving education and training, providing resources, and conducting socialization and campaign efforts.

Q: What is the importance of education and training in preventing COVID-19 exposure among dentists?

A: Education and training are crucial in preventing COVID-19 exposure among dentists, as they provide dentists with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement prevention protocols effectively.

Q: What is the role of government and professional organizations in providing resources for COVID-19 prevention among dentists?

A: Government and professional organizations play a crucial role in providing resources for COVID-19 prevention among dentists, including ensuring the availability of adequate PPE and sterilization equipment.

Q: How can socialization and campaign efforts be effective in increasing awareness and compliance of dentists regarding COVID-19 prevention protocols?

A: Socialization and campaign efforts can be effective in increasing awareness and compliance of dentists regarding COVID-19 prevention protocols by providing dentists with accurate and timely information, promoting a culture of safety, and encouraging dentists to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their patients.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists?

A: The benefits of implementing COVID-19 prevention protocols among dentists include protecting the health and safety of dentists and patients, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility in the dental profession.

Q: How can dentists stay up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention?

A: Dentists can stay up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention by attending continuing education courses, participating in online webinars and conferences, and following reputable sources of information, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Q: What is the importance of collaboration and communication among dentists, government, and professional organizations in preventing COVID-19 exposure?

A: Collaboration and communication among dentists, government, and professional organizations are crucial in preventing COVID-19 exposure, as they facilitate the sharing of information, resources, and best practices, and promote a coordinated and effective response to the pandemic.