What Do We Know About COVID-19?: Maxillofacial Surgeons Survey

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible viral illness with significant global health implications.
• Dental professionals, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS), are at high risk due to the nature of dental procedures and close patient contact.
• Effective management of COVID-19 requires accurate identification of symptoms, understanding transmission routes, and knowledge of diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge level of Brazilian oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) concerning the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
• To identify potential gaps in understanding regarding COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment among OMFS in Brazil.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide survey was conducted among oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in Brazil.
• A total of 142 OMFS participated in the survey, providing data on their knowledge of COVID-19.

Main Results:

• The survey revealed significant deficiencies in the knowledge of Brazilian OMFS regarding COVID-19.
• Respondents demonstrated an inability to adequately protect themselves, diagnose suspected cases, or correctly interpret laboratory tests for COVID-19.
• This lack of knowledge represents a critical public health issue within the OMFS community in Brazil.

Conclusions:

• Brazilian oral and maxillofacial surgeons exhibit inadequate knowledge about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), impacting their ability to manage patients and ensure safety.
• Urgent educational interventions are necessary to equip OMFS with the essential knowledge for diagnosing, treating, and preventing COVID-19 transmission in dental settings.