. Admaja K. Nair; . Philips Mathew; . L. S. Sreela; . Twinkle S. Prasad; . Merrin Jose
Volume 11, Issue 2 , February 2021, , Pages 1-7
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is a highly infectious disease primarilyspreading through droplet infection which require significant restriction and modification ...
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BACKGROUND: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is a highly infectious disease primarilyspreading through droplet infection which require significant restriction and modification in dentaltreatment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of adult population toward COVID‑19and dental treatment and to assess the availability of dental treatment and patient satisfaction duringthe time of pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted using self‑designed electronicquestionnaire consisting knowledge and attitude about COVID‑19 and dental scenario and questionsregarding availability of dental treatment received during the time of pandemic. Knowledge scoreswere assessed on a maximum total score ranged from 0 to 8, and descriptive statistics were donefor questions related to attitudes and dental treatment availability.RESULTS: A total of 495 participants with mean age of 36.6 years participated in the study. Themean knowledge score was 7.12 ± 0.99 and the participants were found to have good awarenessand positive attitude regarding COVID‑19 were as considerable number of participants were unawareabout the risk associated with dental treatment as well as restrictions imposed on dental procedures.About 18% of participants experienced one or other form of dental complaints during the lockdownperiod. 4% of participants had no accessibility to any form of treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Public awareness is to be improved regarding risk of cross infection that canbe associated with dental treatment and public should be motivated to use virtual facilities liketele‑dentistry so that no dental emergencies is left untreated, at the same time avoiding any sort ofunnecessary hospital visit during the pandemic time.
