How prepared were we? A study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental surgeons regarding the Covid 19 pandemic in district Dehradun

Abstract

The novel corona virus disease 2019 has been declared a global public health emergency & is affecting people across the globe. Dental Surgeons are at an invariably high risk of contracting COVID 19. Since all dentists are slowly resuming their full practice they shall be fully prepared. Aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude & practise of Dental Surgeons regarding the novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 in District, Dehradun. An online Questionnaire was circulated among dental surgeons in District, Dehradun. The Questionnaire consisted of 5 sections: 1. Consent, 2. Epidemiological Data, 3. Knowledge Based Questions (11 Questions), 4. Attitude Based Questions (8 Questions), 5. Practice Based Questions (11 Questions). 107 responses were collected in total. Most dental surgeons had a degree of MDS (Masters of Dental Science): 60.7%. Good knowledge and practice scores were observed among 92.7% and 79.5% of the dental surgeons. Significant association of good knowledge scores with qualifications (p = 0.04) and years of practice (p = 0.02) was found; while good practice scores were associated with qualifications only (p = 0.03). Dental surgeons in district Dehradun were found to have good knowledge and practice scores, which is important to skirmish COVID-19. They are hence advised to follow the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) guidelines in their clinics and should sensitize their staff as well. So that they themselves, their staff and patients all remain safe.