Diş Hekimlerinin COVID-19 Salgını Sürecinde Korku Düzeylerinin ve Klinik Uygulamalarındaki Değişikliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Purpose:In this study; it is aimed to determine the knowledge levels and fear-anxiety levels of dentists about COVID-19, as well as to evaluate the changes in clinical applications in the COVID-19 outbreak. Patients and Methods:For this purpose, an online questionnaire consisting of 30 questions evaluating the socio-demographic information of the participants, their level of knowledge and fear about COVID-19 and the changes in their clinical practice during the outbreak process was created. The data obtained from 511 dentists in Turkey were evaluated statistically. Results:A total of 511 dentists, 346 females (67.7%) and 165 males (32.3%), were evaluated. Although anxiety and fear levels are high in terms of disease transmission and transfer, dentists are found to be afraid to carry the infections to their families with the highest rate of 493 (96.5%). It was observed that COVID-19 transmission routes were known at 496 (97%), dental treatments were delayed by 482 (94.2%) in the presence of suspicious symptoms, and the use of N-95 masks in dental procedures should be routine at 449 (87.9%). Conclusion:It is observed that the anxiety and fear levels of the dentists are increased, measures such as questioning the symptoms of COVID-19 in clinical practice, using N-95 mask, and providing hand disinfection before and after the procedure are observed.