Background This study evaluated the association between knowledge and management of ventilation and air-conditioning systems (VAC) to avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in health facilities by dentists and demographic variables. Material and Methods A cross-sectional digital media survey was administered to dentists as part of global research. The core questionnaire was used including four additional questions on VAC (Q1: knowledge, Q2: work settings, Q3: temperature, and Q4: maintenance). A descriptive analysis was conducted for sociodemographic and VAC variables, and bivariate analysis was carried out using different tests. Results 5370 dentists answered the survey (median age of 45 years; 72.22% women). About half of the respondents said that they knew about the guidelines issued for the management of air conditioners (AC) during the pandemic, and 16.77% have made modifications to their VAC systems during this period. The most frequent AC temperature range used in the dentists’ offices during the pandemic was 18°C to 20°C. As age increased, self-reported knowledge about VAC guidelines expanded. Remote and rural regions were perceived to have less knowledge of the guidelines. Conclusions Although perceptions of knowledge about VAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic was high, the temperature in dental offices was colder than that recommended. Greater disclosure of VAC management practices and adherence to VAC management guidelines are required. Key words: Air conditioning, dentistry, coronavirus.
【초록키워드】 coronavirus, pandemic, knowledge, cross-sectional, COVID-19 pandemic, Ventilation, media, Spread, Region, Health, management, Research, remote, Descriptive analysis, age, temperature, women, questionnaire, association, Analysis, Demographic variables, air conditioning, dentist, median age, Modification, Sociodemographic, Administered, Result, was used, carried, evaluated, required, conducted, less, question, management guideline, Material and Method, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, variables, 【제목키워드】 clinics,