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Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures by German Dentists: A Qualitative Study to Identify Enablers and Barriers

Author

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  • Anne Müller

    (Department of Oral Diagnostics, Digital Health and Health Services Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

  • Florentina Sophie Melzow

    (Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

  • Gerd Göstemeyer

    (Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

  • Sebastian Paris

    (Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

  • Falk Schwendicke

    (Department of Oral Diagnostics, Digital Health and Health Services Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 infection control measures have been recommended for dental practices worldwide. This qualitative study explored barriers and enablers for the implementation of these measures in German dental practices. Methods: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted in November/December 2020 (purposive/snowball sampling). The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivations influencing Behaviors model (COM-B) were used to guide interviews. Mayring’s content analysis was employed to analyze interviews. Results: All dentists (28–71 years, 4/8 female/male) had implemented infection control measures. Measures most frequently not adopted were FFP2 masks, face shields (impractical), the rotation of teams (insufficient staffing) and the avoidance of aerosol-generating treatments. Dentists with personal COVID-19 experience or those seeing themselves as a role model were more eager to adopt measures. We identified 34 enablers and 20 barriers. Major barriers were the lack of knowledge, guidelines and recommendations as well as limited availability and high costs of equipment. Pressure by staff and patients to ensure infection control was an enabler. Conclusions: Dentists are motivated to implement infection control measures, but lacking opportunities limited the adoption of certain measures. Policy makers and equipment manufacturers should address these points to increase the implementation of infection control measures against COVID-19 and potential future pandemics.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Müller & Florentina Sophie Melzow & Gerd Göstemeyer & Sebastian Paris & Falk Schwendicke, 2021. "Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures by German Dentists: A Qualitative Study to Identify Enablers and Barriers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5710-:d:562670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto De Stefani & Giovanni Bruno & Sabrina Mutinelli & Antonio Gracco, 2020. "COVID-19 Outbreak Perception in Italian Dentists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-7, May.
    2. Fatih Karayürek & Neslihan Yilmaz Çırakoğlu & Aydin Gülses & Mustafa Ayna, 2021. "Awareness and Knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Dental Professionals According to the Turkish National Dental Guidelines," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Muhammad Adeel Ahmed & Rizwan Jouhar & Naseer Ahmed & Samira Adnan & Marziya Aftab & Muhammad Sohail Zafar & Zohaib Khurshid, 2020. "Fear and Practice Modifications among Dentists to Combat Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-11, April.
    4. Thomas Gerhard Wolf & Oliver Zeyer & Guglielmo Campus, 2020. "COVID-19 in Switzerland and Liechtenstein: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Dentists’ Awareness, Protective Measures and Economic Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-12, December.
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