Infection Control In Dental Practice During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

Objective: In the event of an outbreak, the dentist can be the first person to come in contact with an infected person; they can either unknowingly become a carrier and infect others or by following proper guidelines can prevent the possible spread of the disease and save the entire community from its disastrous consequences. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of COVID-19 disease related infection control practices among dentists and dental students. Materials And Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed among dentists and dental students on COVID-19 awareness and infection control among dentists. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections: the 1st one contained an informed consent form, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th sections had the demographic details (9 questions), COVID 19 Awareness (10 questions), Infection control (10 questions). The data was analysed using Epi info (version 7.2.2.6, CDC, license: public domain) software with frequency distribution, descriptive statistics and chi square test. Results: A total of 316 responders completed the questionnaire based survey on COVID-19 awareness and infection control among dentists. About 77.8% participants (245) have good knowledge and 22.2% (70) participants have fair knowledge regarding COVID 19 awareness and infection control. Conclusion: The dentists were found to have good knowledge and practice scores, which is important to combat COVID-19. They are advised to follow the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in their clinics, and sensitize their staff so that no stone is left unturned in defeating this pandemic.