Attitude of parents toward child's dental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among the population of visnagar, Gujarat: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Aims: This questionnaire-based survey was designed to assess the acquaintance, apprehension, and perceptions of parents toward the COVID-19 pandemic and toward seeking dental care for their children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. Settings and Design: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The online Google survey form included 6 units with 27 close-ended questions in twin languages (regional and English). Inquiries covered demographics, changes in daily acts, dietary traditions, and preparedness to seek child oral care during November 2020 to January 2021. Results: Out of 400 parents, 172 responded to the electronic survey form. Over half of the guardians affirmed that alveolar treatment could fan out COVID-19. Around 90% resorted to medication (self-medication - 39%, home remedies - 32.6%, and teledentistry - 17.4%) to evade personal dental visits for their children. Conclusions: The awareness about COVID-19 and precautions was significantly high. Though parents were unaware about safeguards practiced by dentists during Covid19. Measures were taken to correct misconceptions among parents about safe dental procedures.