Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a Fully Operative Dentistry Academic Center in Madrid (Spain) During the De-escalation Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Are Our Dentists at Greater Risk?

• Published in: Oral health & preventive dentistry Vol. 20; p. 349
• Main Authors: Cintora, Patricia, Rojo, Rosa, Martínez, Ana, Ruíz, Beatriz, Aragoneses, Juan Manuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 19-10-2022
• Subjects: Child; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentistry, Operative; Dentists; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Spain - epidemiology; Spain; COVID-19; seroprevalence; orthodontics; antibodies; dental clinics
• ISSN: 1757-9996
• DOI: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b3464887

To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among dental professionals at an Academic Center in Madrid (Spain) at the beginning of the pandemic's de-escalation phase.
A cross-sectional study was designed. COVID-19 infection was determined by membrane-based immunoassay qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies in human whole blood. Age, sex, race and professional qualification were recorded, as were symptoms compatible with COVID-19 infection whenever present. Data collected were analysed by means of descriptive and qualitative (X2) statistical analyses.
A total of 195 individuals were included (40 administrative professionals and 155 dentists). Seroprevalence at the end of the de-escalation phase was 20.0% among all the participants. The highest prevalence was found among the orthodontists (34.8%), followed by the paediatric dentists (28.6%) and oral surgeons (14.7%). Most subjects were positive for IgG and negative for IgM (79.5%).
The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among dental professionals at the end of the de-escalation phase after the first wave of the pandemic was almost double the seroprevalence of the general population. Orthodontists had the highest rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection.