Qualitative Study of Perception of COVID-19 Prevention among Dental Healthcare Personnel using the Health Belief Model

Dentists, together with dental and oral health therapists are at high-risk of COVID-19 infection due to their exposure to saliva, blood, as well as aerosol and droplet production during most dental procedures. Numerous preventive measures have been carried out, including mass education and implementation of infection control precautions. However, personal perception is essential for preventing disease transmission. Aim of this study was to analyse perception of COVID-19 prevention among dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) in the Executive Clinic of Oral and Dental Hospital Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia, using the Health Belief Model. This study used a qualitative case study approach. Information was collected from the dentists, dental and oral health therapists, as well as the hospital director via in-depth interviews. Most informants perceived that they were at greatly increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19, and that the SARS-CoV-2 was extremely dangerous towards their safety. The prevention of COVID-19 provided exceptional benefit despite several barriers to its implementation, such as limited infrastructure as well as other people’s behaviour. Nevertheless, the presence of regulations and experience of other people who have been exposed to COVID-19 encouraged informants to maintain the preventive behaviour. The informants had strong self-confidence that they were able to take precautions against COVID-19. Based on the owned perception, it is very possible for the informants to be able to maintain preventive behaviours from COVID-19 inside and outside the hospital area.