INTRODUCTION: The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting people worldwide Given the frequent production of aerosols, dentists are a high-risk group for infection The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude regarding COVID-19 among pediatric dentists in Austria METHODS: An online survey was distributed among the 128 pediatric dentists that are members of the Austrian Society of Pediatric Dentistry The questionnaire was divided into three sections: 1) dentists' demographic characteristics, 2) general knowledge and attitude, 3) COVID-19 with a focus on pediatric dentistry RESULTS: Seventy-five dentists replied;58 questionnaires could be included in the analysis (93 1% female) Pediatric dentists were found to have good general knowledge of COVID-19 However, only 10% had attended training or lectures and 36 2% rated their role in teaching patients about COVID-19 as being very significant At the beginning of the outbreak, 78 6% only offered emergency services Currently, only 10 3% of the dentists work without FFP2/3 mask when producing aerosols DISCUSSION: Austrian pediatric dentists were aware of the general aspects of COVID-19 Those, who had their practice open mostly followed national and international recommendations given and only offered emergency visits
COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Pediatric Dentistry in Austria: Knowledge, Perception and Attitude Among Pediatric Dentists in a Cross-Sectional Survey