Knowledge and Attitude of Prosthodontic Post Graduates on COVID 19: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Background:The disease caused by novel corona virus (COVID-19) is a pandemic. The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The source of the disease is unknown but its routes of transmission are person to person via hands, saliva, nasal droplets and surface contacts. Dental professionals are particularly at risk due to the nature of their clinical work. The prosthodontic dentists have to deal with geriatric patients who are at risk. Materials and Methods:The risk factors are aged people with additional medical co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other cardiovascular conditions are more prone to develop a severe form of the disease. Majority of these risk factors are seen in old patients who form a major part of prosthodontic practise. Hence a survey was carried out to know the knowledge of the prosthodontic post-graduate students on COVID-19. Results:A total of 60 participants. 80% has adequate training in COVID 19. 61.6% were confident managing patients with required precautions during COVID 19 pandemic. 63.6% aware of the authority to contact if you come across a suspected COVID 19 patient. 96.6% agreed that the pandemic has affected your academic activities Conclusion:A better understanding of aerosol transmission and its implication in dentistry can help us identify and rectify negligence in daily dental practice. In addition to the standard precautions, implementation of special precautions could preventdisease transmission from asymptomatic carriers. These special precautions would not only help control the spread of COVID-19 but also serve as a guide for managing other respiratory diseases.