Dental professionals' use of personal protective equipment during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in China

Background Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) could significantly reduce the risk viral transmission and infection. This study aimed to assess PPE among dentists during COVID-19 pandemic in China, explore its influencing factors, provide some practical recommendations. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted 384 Chinese September 2022. The questionnaire comprised a series questions about demographic characteristics, compliance with proper use, barriers exposure estimation. Results Of respondents, 57.3% had unacceptable COVID-19. Medical surgical mask is most common for dental professionals wear (93.8%), followed by goggles or face shield (63.8%), isolation gown (53.1%). Unexpectedly, only 63.3% respondents always change masks guidelines. condition changing goggles/face shields gowns even worse (45.6 37.0%, respectively). Visual barriers, physical discomfort, complex procedures, heavy workload were use. According results Chi-square test correlation analysis, associated age, years practice, medical institution type, Conclusion need improve their PPE, especially those 31–40 age group, 11–15 experience working private clinics. Increasing may be achieved addressing human resource shortages, perceptions risk.