COVID-19 impact, knowledge and preparedness among dental hygienists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Dissemination of COVID-19 protocols, guidelines and scientific literature increased the respondents' level of knowledge and preparedness to an adequate level. This study indicated that knowledgeable dental hygienists were significantly more prepared to treat patients during the pandemic and that stress positively influenced the COVID-19 knowledge acquisition. Non-practising dental hygienists during quarantine were more knowledgeable and more prepared to practice during the pandemic.