ATTITUDE TOWARDS COVID-19 IN DENTAL COLLEGE POPULATION: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: In this COVID -19 pandemic dentists are at high risk of cross-infection. The dental practice is a source of cross contamination in the absence of adequate preventive measures. As COVID -19 is highly contagious and use of air rotors adds to air born route for transmission and dentist's proximity to the oropharyngeal area of the patient, a dental professional is always at higher risk. Therefore all the dental students and professionals should be competent with knowledge and must be aware of precautionary methods, social distancing, sanitization and vaccination. Aim: The present study is aimed to assess the attitude towards COVID-19 in dental college population Materials & Methods: This study was conducted among 200 participants, the faculties and students in a dental college. A ten questions multiple choice questionnaire form was prepared on effect of COVID-19 on participant's life and distributed among the participants who were divided into two groups as faculty & students, in the dental college and their response was tabulated and analyzed. Results: The results of this study suggested that majority of participants of both the groups strictly followed precautionary measures, followed social distancing, taken both the doses of vaccination and showed positive attitude towards prevention of further spread of corona virus. Conclusion: The participants in this study seemed to be aware of the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and had good knowledge, attitude and selfcare practice, which are necessary in preventing the spread of COVID-19.