Assesment of SARS-CoV-2 infection-in dentists and supporting staff at a university dental hospital in Argentina

INTRODUCTION: Oral healthcare professionals are at increased risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in a population of workers who provided services during the COVID-19 pandemic at a dental care and educational institution in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study including 358 workers who provided essential services during the first 180 days of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Dental Hospital at Buenos Aires University School of Dentistry (FOUBA). Following epidemiological data, these workers underwent diagnostic testing for COVID-19 (1- nasal or throat swab tests; 2- blood test for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays [ELISA]; 3- commercial rapid serology test). RESULTS: Three diagnostic tests were implemented. Rapid tests were performed on 290 subjects, with 255 negative results (88%; CI95: 84%–91%) and 35 positive (12%; CI95: 9%–16%); ELISA on 317 subjects, with 308 negative (97%; CI95: 95%–98%) and 9 positive (3%; CI95: 2%–5%); and PCR on 204 subjects, with 196 negative (96%; CI95: 92%–98%) and 8 positive (4%; CI95: 2%–8%). There were 358 subjects who were evaluated by ELISA or PCR, with 342 negative results (96%; CI95: 93%–97%) and 16 positives (4%; CI95: 3%–7%). CONCLUSION: For this sample of dentists, dental assistants and nonclinical personnel, the weighted prevalence of COVID-19 was 4%. Similar studies should be conducted at other dental care facilities in order to evaluate the worldwide impact of COVID-19 on the dental care community.