STUDY ON THE ETHICAL AND SAFETY ASPECTS AMONG ROMANIAN DENTAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

S. M. Pituru, M. Imre, A. Totan, M. Pantea, A. M. C. Țâncu, O. Amza, A. Bencze, E. Ionescu

Abstract: The COVID-19 virus has a predominantly respiratory transmission through aerosol and droplets; therefore, dentistry represents a medical profession with high risk-exposure, both for dental professionals and for patients. Under these circumstances, the main aim of the present study is to evaluate the perception of a group of dentists (n=67) on the recommended safety measures for preventing and limiting the transmission of this virus; moreover, the participants’ point of view on the need for further scientific research on infection management protocols was assessed. Data was collected via an on-line questionnaire and statistically analysed. The results of this study highlighted that personal protective equipment is considered by 65.7% of the participants the most efficient safety measure related to COVID-19 virus, along with the careful planning of proper disinfection periods in-between scheduled patients. Most participants (89.6%) also agreed with the need for further research on these issues, mostly on the cost/benefit ratio of PPE equipment.
Keywords: pandemic, Romanian dental profession, ethics