Use of e-media among pediatric dental professionals and postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Background: Health-care providers, particularly pediatric dentists, highly depend on electronic media. This survey attempts to assess how they have taken to e-media to keep themselves abreast of the current situation and use it efficiently. Objectives: To determine attitudes, awareness, and practices of e-media usage among pediatric dental professionals and postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry during the COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 958 pediatric dental practitioners and postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry from throughout India participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. An investigator-designed questionnaire comprising 23 close-ended questions related to the usage and various aspects of e-media before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Younger generations of pediatric dentistry are more active in the use of e-media. Dentists between the ages of 30 and 50 years are more likely to utilize social media in their profession than dentists above the age of 50 years. For academic purposes and patient communication, e-media was the most popular choice. Conclusion: The Indian pediatric dentistry profession has grown significantly with the use of e-media. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.