• Kumar Chandan Srivastava, Deepti Shrivastava, Mohammed Ghazi Sghaireen, Abdalkarem Fedgash Alsharari, Abdulrahman Abdulwahab Alduraywish, Khalid Al-Johani, Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Yousef Khader, and Bader Kureyem Alzarea.
• Oral Medicine & Radiology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia.
• J. Int. Med. Res. 2020 Dec 1; 48 (12): 300060520977593.

ObjectivesWith the increasing severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is essential that dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are prepared. The study aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among DHCPs in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. A validated and reliable questionnaire was developed that comprised 44 questions. Using Qualtrics survey software, DHCPs working in different settings were approached across five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia.ResultsA total of 318 respondents voluntarily participated in the survey. Most DHCPs showed a moderate level of knowledge (51.6%), a positive attitude (92.1%) and adequate practice standards (86.5%). We found that 94.7% of DHCPs had an adequate overall level of KAP. DHCPs with a doctorate significantly outscored DHCPs with other educational levels with respect to knowledge and practice. Older (51-60 years) DHCPs reported significantly more knowledge than younger DHCPs.ConclusionDHCPs displayed an average level of knowledge that needs to be enhanced through continuing education programmes. However, they showed a positive attitude and an acceptable level of practice, as they were abiding by guidelines issued from various international and national health agencies.

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