Assessing the Dental Practitioner’s Awareness, Fear, Anxiety and Practices to Battle the Covid-19 Pandemic in Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dentists in Himachal Pradesh, India towards COVID-19 and how are they handling their fear and apprehension as well as modification in their clinical practice due to coronavirus pandemic. Methodology: Our study population consisted of dentists who work in Himachal Pradesh, regardless of their place of work, either in Private clinics, Colleges and Hospitals, or Health Centres. The main instrument to collect data was an online questionnaire using Google forms. Responses were sought from only those dental professionals who were having patient dealing and not from other students or any kind. Results: A total of 263 participants took part, submitting the questionnaire i.e. students (44.4%), College Faculty or Govt. Employee (26%) and Private practitioner (46%). The result clearly shows that dental practitioners across the state have high knowledge and awareness (96.9%) about COVID-19 even though they are in a state of anxiety and fear while working in their respective fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic effect on humanity. Our study clearly shows that student practitioners were more apprehensive as compared to faculty or private practitioners, who were more confident to treat patients who had COVID-19 like symptoms. Conclusion: Dentists in Himachal Pradesh are aware of COVID-19 symptoms, mode of transmission, and infection controls and measures in dental clinics. However, dentists had limited comprehension of the extra precautionary measures that protect the dental staff and other patients from COVID-19. National and international guidelines should be sent by the regional and national dental associations to all registered dentists during a crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure that dentists are well informed and aware of best practices and recommended disease management approaches. In reality, not much is known about Coronavirus and misinformation generally creates a panic like situation. So, as more authentic information is relayed to health care providers then this anxiety and fear will also lessen.