Emergence of B.1.617 Strain of Covid-19 in India and attitude, awareness, perception of dental professionals and its effect on dentistry: A Survey Report

Abstract

Objective- To know the attitude, awareness and perception of dental practitioners about double mutant virus in India and how it is affecting their practice. Material & Method- The cross sectional study was done by doing a survey using google form and a questionnaire was prepared and was sent through social media to dental practitioners all over India. The survey was done for two months from 20th march 2021 to 20th may 2021 before coming for statically analysis for final result. Result- There were significant difference in between the perception of gender (p<0.00), education (p<0.01) and experience (p<0.04). There were no significant difference in between the perception of different age and job setting about getting infected while doing practice during covid-19. There were significant difference in between the thinking of male and female (p<0.03) and government and private job (p<0.00) about the fact that double mutant strain has increased potential risk for dentists. Generally all the dentists provide PPE kits to dental clinic staff. There were significant differences between age (p<0.00), gender (p<0.00) and experience (p<0.00). Conclusion- The results of this study conclude that there was significant difference between the attitude, awareness & perception of dental practitioners towards double mutant strain while practicing. The difference may be due to difference in level of education or as there were both BDS and MDS involved in the survey. The other possible reason may be because of experience of practicing years. However most of the dental practitioners agreed at some points.