Untitled

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 a potentially fatal disease has become a global public health concern.As understanding of this novel disease is evolving, dentist and professionals should have an in-depth knowledge, understanding and should be updated with the practices that have to be adapted to identify a possible COVID-19 infection.Aim and Objectives: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and anxiety among dental practitioner during COVID-19 outbreak in India.Material and Methods: A total of 745 dentists participated in this cross-sectional survey and finally 727 constituted the final sample size.A self-administered, multiple choice type questionnaire (verified by a specialist) was administered to obtain information from the subjects.The questionnaire was divided into four parts and included 26 questions on demographic data, knowledge, attitude and anxiety awareness regarding COVID-19.Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The maximum numbers of respondents were general dentists.About 85.4% of respondents had obtained sufficient knowledge during lockdown.Percentage of subjects who answered correctly regarding main symptoms of COVID-19 was 98.5%.Overall 56.5% of respondents showed satisfactory knowledge.About 52.3% respondents followed complete instructions from government.Among the respondents, majority of dentists (33.2%) were practicing only emergency procedures.Half of the practicing dentists were using PPE in their practice.Minimal symptom like anxiety (According to GAF) was observed in 57.6% of respondents. Conclusion:The findings of the present study showed that majority of dental practitioners had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 during lockdown.They were able to deal with pandemic situation by following a standard protocol.Positive attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic was shown by the dental practitioners by following the government's instruction in their clinical practice.