The Legacy of COVID-19 in Dentistry: Patient's Perception of Biosafety in Dental Offices: Cross-sectional Research

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perspectives of patients about the pandemic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the prevention measures taken in dental offices and analyze what they expect from dentists considering the pandemic and post-pandemic scenarios. Material and Methods: To collect the information, an online questionnaire was sent to patients from all over Brazil, including men and women, older than 18, who have already undergone dental treatment and who were not dentists or dental students. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact or chi-square with Yates' correction tests (α=0.05). Results: There was a total of 2,557 volunteers patients, of whom 2,065 (80.8%) were female and 1,326 (51.9%) of them were aged 20-29 years. A total of 2,338 (91.4%) patients reported feeling more secure when the dentist uses personal protective equipment. Men (p<0.0001) and those over 50 years of age (p=0.01) have propensity to attend dental offices than woman, even if COVID-19 was suspected. Men were less afraid of visiting dental clinics (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Patients were aware of the preventive measures taken in dental offices and were able to request that dentists follow these measures and expect changes in dental care, even after the pandemic and with vaccination. Therefore, COVID-19 protection protocols should be carefully followed by professionals to increase patients' confidence.