Assessment Of Knowledge Regarding COVID-19 And Its Preventive Protocol Among Dentists Of North Gujarat

ABSTRACT

Background:The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the Novel Coronavirus as a Pandemic in March, 2020. As dentists are at an increased risk due to the aerosol transmission, it is extremely important for them to understand the virus spread.Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of the dentists ofnorth Gujarat population towards the novel Coronavirus and their knowledge regarding the spread of their infections. Material And Methods:A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 274 dentists including post graduate and undergraduate dental students, faculty members and private practitioners of North Gujarat. A Questionnaire was circulated using the Google forms, consisting of two parts first –consisted of demographic details and the second part consisted of 25 questions regarding knowledge of dentists towards the COVID-19 and its impact on their dental practice. The level of significance was set at ?0.05. Result:The study participants were well aware about the COVID-19 prevention protocols. Majority of the participants 59.5% agreed thatelective dental procedures needed to be postponed for at least 3 weeks. Also 73% stated that 90GSM of PPE kit was considered appropriate to protect from cross-infection. The results were statistically significant. Conclusion:The study concluded that dentists had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 protocols but same was not implemented in their practices. Dentists should have proper knowledge regarding the transmission and prevention of infection from the virus as they are at high of developing an infection.