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Questionnaire and data collection The questionnaire included:

Sociodemographic characteristics and factors
related to participants general practices and health.Knowledge assessed by 7 questions including
38 answers on: clinical symptoms, incubation period, modes of transmission,
molecules under investigation in clinical trials and mouthwash virucidal activity
against the COVID-19 virus.

3) Prevention measures adopted in dental
clinics and other practices.

4) Attitudes towards COVID-19 pandemic

Each participant was contacted by phone call where the
survey objective was described. After
obtaining an oral consent from the participant, a google form link was sent
through phone message or whatsapp.

Ethical considerations

The survey was completely voluntary and anonymous.
Confidentiality of the responses was guaranteed to the participants.
Participant’s consent was obtained before the completion of the questionnaire.
The study being observational and respecting participants' anonymity and
confidentiality, the institutional review board of the Lebanese university
waived the need for an official approval.

Statistical analysis

For knowledge index, a correct answer was given one
point and wrong or “I don’t know” was given zero point. The total knowledge
index was calculated by summing all the answers and ranged between 0 and 38.
The index was classified into 3 levels of knowledge (high, moderate or low
level).
The same method was used to calculate and categorize the prevention measures
index which ranged between 0 and 16.