Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and infection control practices among dental outpatients of COVID-19 who is visiting the department of oral medicine and radiology. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess awareness about COVID-19 among dental patients visiting Vinayaka Missions Sankarachariyar Dental College, Salem. Background: Healthcare personnel must analyze the behavior of the general public and dental patients to raise awareness and guide patients through their treatments. The current study's goal is to examine dental patients' awareness and knowledge. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 315 people was done using a questionnaire that analyzed the individual's knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on patients, and the preventive actions taken by the individual. Results: The survey shows that, though many respondents (n = 280; 88.89%) were aware of the virus and its spread throughout the country, a considerable number of dental patients (n = 37; 11.75%) were uninformed of the virus's secondary symptoms and other characteristics including incubation duration. The COVID-19 infection caused the majority of patients to experience a change in their overall quality of life. Conclusion: Majority of dental patients (36.19%) were aware of the virus's impacts on a person's health. Since few individuals (n = 16; 5.08%) chose to visit dental clinics despite possessing the virus, it is possible that the individual and those who come in contact with the patient are at risk. In spite of the role of social media and the news in spreading awareness, such cases are prevalent in society. Hence, we advocate the implementation of teledentistry and exercise the mandatory precautions for increasing awareness about COVID-19 infection among the public.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call