COVID-19 Risk Perception and Confidence among Clinical Dental Students: Impact on Patient Management

Abstract

This study aimed to assess COVID-19 perceived risk, confidence and its impact on potentially infected patients’ management practices, in a clinical dental education setting. The survey was conducted by application of a self-administered questionnaire amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate high COVID-19 perceived risk and confidence levels (86.7% and 72.8%, respectively). A significantly lower risk perception was identified for individuals classifying COVID-19 as a moderately dangerous disease and confidence was significantly lower for women and for individuals not previously exposed to confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. No factor-related significant differences were found on potentially infected patients’ management practices.