COVID-19 Perceptional Disparity Among Dental Practitioners in Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali)

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) made the headlines after its initial breakout in Wahan, China in December 2019. Viral by genome, lethal by nature, strongly contagious by character succeeded in making a new chapter in everyone’s life in a very short span making it a pandemic Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess perceptional disparity among dental practitioners regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic. Material and methods: A total of 300 participating dentists were randomly included in this cross sectional survey. A self structured, closed ended questionnaire was administered to each participant to record demographic and professional characteristics followed by their knowledge regarding corona virus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20 and Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out Results: It was found that only 33.3% of the clinicians had high knowledge regarding corona virus and only 38.5% of the respondents know the correct incubation period. About 65 % of the practitioners did not know about the diagnostic test available for corona virus and only 4.3 % of them gained knowledge rom journals or print media The above responses indicate a low knowledge among the dental practitioners regarding corona virus. Conclusions: The knowledge and practice scores were found to be worrisome, which is important to combat COVID-19. They are advised to follow the Centers 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.