KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS, REGARDING THE USE OF EXTRA-ORAL RADIOGRAPHY, AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A NATION-WIDE SURVEY

Abstract

COVID-19 gave rise to puzzling circumstances globally, thus altering the principles in which dentistry was practiced in the pre-COVID era. A survey to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding oral radiography during the pandemic was conducted, targeting the dental professionals in the country of Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was performed from September 1st – September 30th 2020. Googlesurveys.com was utilized for designing the questionnaire which included three sections, constituting demographic details, knowledge and practices respectively. The calculated sample size was 356. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and a Chi-square test was applied to analyze the knowledge and practices of extraoral radiographs among dentists in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A superlative, response was revealed in the knowledge part which evaluated the mode of COVID-19 disease transmission; however alarming feedback was achieved when different extraoral techniques were inquired. The use of intraoral radiographs by 71.3 % of dental practitioners, even during the pandemic was a noteworthy finding of the survey, regardless of the strong emphasis been on the use of extraoral radiographs. Prompt attention by healthcare authorities is required especially in underdeveloped countries for practice modifications in the dental setting to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

This study showed extra-oral periapical and bitewing radiographs can be used for the diagnosis of dental problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will prevent the transmission of the Corona Virus to the patients and dental healthcare professionals.