Knowledge and Perception of Risks Associated with Dental Treatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aerosol transmission of COVID has been proved. However, it is inevitable to completely avoid the same in our practise. Keeping this in mind, regulatory bodies and experts all over the world have issued guidelines for dental treatment of patients during this pandemic. Procedures that carry a significant amount of risk have been outlined, and dentists have been advised to avoid such procedures unless absolutely necessary. Extensive guidelines regarding proper disinfection protocol and personal protective measures have also been formulated. While there is a vast amount of information for dentists, understanding of this by the general public maybe unknown. Lack of knowledge and understanding of proper etiquette/precautions to be taken while seeking dental treatment and the risks associated with dental treatment have the potential to put both the patient and the dentist in harm's way. The objective of this study was to assess and understand patients' perspective on seeking dental treatment in the current prevailing pandemic.