KAP ON UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS DURING DENTAL PRACTICE DURING A PANDEMIC AMONG INTERNS AND POST GRADUATES OF A PRIVATE DENTAL INSTITUTION

ABSTRACT

Background and aim - With the increasing severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and we approaching the third wave , it is essential that dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are prepared. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge , attitudes and practices of precautions during dental practice during a pandemic among interns and post graduates. Methodology: Among the intern and post graduates a cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on an online survey. There were 165 participants involved in this online survey. The validity of the questionnaire was cross-verified. Frequency and percentage was used for description, Chi square test was done as inferential statistics. The collected data were subsequently analysed in SPSS with p<0.05 as statistically significant. Results:According to the study 98.18%(162) participants are aware of the dental guidance issued by various dental associations pertaining to dental management during COVID - 19 pandemic. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study,while students gave good responses regarding the standard measures they take to protect against transmission of COVID-19, their knowledge and attitudes about the extra measures they can take should be improved.