COVID-19-Related Health and Practices Among Dental Hygienists

COVID-19-Related Health and Practices Among Dental Hygienists

As dental practices reopen their practices during a global pandemic, the risk of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection that dental hygienists face in providing dental care remains unknown. Estimating the occupational risk of COVID-19, and producing evidence on the types of infection control practices and dental practices that may affect COVID-19 risk, is therefore imperative. These findings could be used to describe the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 among dental hygienists, determine what infection control steps dental hygienists take over time, describe dental hygienists' employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and estimate whether infection control adherence in dental practice is related to COVID-19 incidence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dental hygienist
• Licensed in the United States
• 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not employed as a dental hygienist as of March 1, 2020