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VOLUME 11 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2020 ) > List of Articles

SURVEY

Awareness, Prevention and Precaution among Dentists Regarding COVID-19

Sirisha Sampangi Pushpa, Nimmi Janardhanan, Shivaprasad Bilichodmath

Citation Information : Pushpa SS, Janardhanan N, Bilichodmath S. Awareness, Prevention and Precaution among Dentists Regarding COVID-19. J Health Sci Res 2020; 11 (1):27-36.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10042-1091

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 28-09-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has metamorphosed itself into a life-threatening and pressing issue of the day; moreover, it has challenged health professions and systems and has evoked different speeds of reaction and types of response around the world. The transmission of virus via contact with droplets and aerosols generated during dental clinical procedures and chances of cross-contamination pose high risk. This is where the role of dental professionals crop-up in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Hence, this survey aims to gauge the awareness, prevention, and precaution among dentists regarding COVID-19 by circulating the questionnaire among the dental practitioners and clinicians mostly in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Materials and methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted which consisted of 22 questions. A total of 122 active participants were included in the study. Results: Everyone was apprehensive of COVID-19 and its brief history. A majority (108) of the participants had information principally from social media as their main source followed by the newspaper, well-versed knowledge that it affects the respiratory system and it is absolutely necessary to follow protocols for prevention. Unseeming paradoxical views was noted on the influence of social media. A compelling response was noted when asked regarding patient concern during the dental procedures. In all, 34.5% agreed on no, 37.2% agreed on yes, and 28.1% were on a maybe. The participating group is also aware of the appropriate precautionary measures to be taken. In all, 81.7% of the participants comply with the N-95 respirator while treating the patients. The most pliable option in combating COVID-19 would be to stay safe and furnish elite information and precautions to the patients and the society. Conclusion: Preponderance of the dentists are aware of the virus, its survival, and its complications. We should also clear the facts on the vulnerability of COVID-19. Although chlorhexidine is a widely used disinfectant and antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide and glutaraldehyde are said to be the best disinfectants to combat against the virus. The patient may be worried to opt for any procedure, but it should be the responsibility of the dentist to manage and follow proper protocol to disinfect and sterilize the equipment to minimize patient infection and cross-contamination. Nonetheless, it is important to stress on the personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. Strictly speaking, it may not be the need of the hour to continue dental care; however, we should not hesitate to attend emergencies.


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