A pilot knowledge, attitude, and practice survey among pediatric dentists during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has brought a drastic change in the way of practising dentistry. Adequate knowledge and training on prevention of this contagion will allow dental professionals to practise safely. The aim of the survey was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatric dentists during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective pilot online survey among pediatric dentists in India. A self-explanatory, online questionnaire comprising 20 close-ended questions in English language was formulated via Google Forms. Results: We received a total of 55 responses. Overall knowledge was fair in 6/55 (10.9%) participants and majority (49/55; 89.1%) had good knowledge. Nearly all participants were changing gloves, performing temperature checks, and taking COVID-19-related history for each patient. However, only 75% (approx.) participants were sanitizing dental chair and surrounding surfaces after each patient visit. More than 90% of participants had received training for wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), but 27% (15/55) felt that they do not have adequate PPE. PPE most worn by respondents were gloves (52/55, 94.5%) and face shield or N95 mask (51/55; 92.7%), followed by surgical mask (46/55, 83.6%). Only 50% of respondents (approximately) were using goggles during routine dental practice. Nearly 96% of participants faced difficulties in communication and majority agreed that it interferes with patient management. About 98% of respondents felt that COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the frequency of patients. The most preferred mode of practice by pediatric dentists during COVID-19 pandemic was private practice as well as teledentistry. Conclusion: Majority of participants (89.1%) had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease and were following adequate safety precautions to prevent its spread in their practice. We recommend all dental professionals to get proper training and follow guidelines by various agencies (CDC, WHO, and the American Dental Association) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure best dental practices.