The Role of Primary Health Center in Ensuring The Health and Safety of Dental Practitioners During The COVID-19 Pandemic Ridhayani Hatta (1*), Nurfianti (2), Agus Ardinansyah (3), Fathimah Azzahrah Attamimi (4)
1 Department of Dental Material Science, University of YARSI, Jakarta, Indonesia
*ridhayani.drg[at]gmail.com
2 Department of Oral Medicine, University of YARSI, Jakarta, Indonesia
3 Department of Dental Education, University of YARSI, Jakarta, Indonesia
4 Department of Oral Biology, University of YARSI, Jakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has issued Technical Instructions for Dental Health Services at the Primary Health Center (PHC) to provide comprehensive guidelines to ensure the continuity and safety of dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pivotal role of PHC is to undertake rigorous monitoring and evaluation to assess their efficacy in upholding the health and safety standards mandated by the Ministry of Health. This necessitates thoroughly analyzing dentists^ perspectives regarding implementing safety measures during the pandemic. Methods: This observational descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2022. A modified questionnaire was utilized to assess health and work safety aspects, including airflow and ventilation regulations, utilization of air filters, room arrangements and management, application of standard precautions, and air transmission precautions. A quota sampling method was employed to ensure representation across diverse demographics. Results: The study highlights deficiencies in air filtration and inadequate room arrangement and management within PHC. While PHCs generally facilitate aspects such as regulating air and ventilation and implementing standard precautions, detailed measures such as the utilization of fans, proper donning and doffing protocols, and the use of High-Volume Evacuators (HVE) and rubber dams remain largely unaddressed. Conclusion: PHCs should safeguard dentists^ occupational health and safety, aligning with the Technical Guidelines for Dental Health Services stipulated by the Ministry of Health. Addressing the identified gaps in safety measures is imperative to ensure the continued delivery of quality dental services during pandemic challenges.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Dentist, Occupational health, Primary health center, Work safety
