Introduction:
Given the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), dental healthcare providers are at particularly high risk of infection and transmission due to close contact with patients and the use of aerosol-generating procedures.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists and dental students regarding patient evaluation and adherence to infection control principles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 363 individuals across the country. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire with acceptable reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7 in all dimensions).
Results:
The findings showed that participants had an appropriate level of knowledge in various aspects, including patient management, clinical services, and environmental engineering. There was a significant positive correlation among different questionnaire dimensions. Variables such as age, work experience, and participation in educational webinars were significantly associated with overall scores, whereas gender and educational degree showed significant differences only in certain areas, such as practice.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that continuous education, particularly through targeted webinars, plays an important role in enhancing dentists' preparedness for future epidemiological threats. Moreover, strict adherence to protective protocols and minimizing aerosol production can help reduce the risk of transmission in dental settings.