Awareness on Precautions and Protocols Followed during COVID-19 among Dental Students

Abstract

Background: Health care workers, including dental professionals, oral Hygienists, are at greater risk for acquiring and transmitting infection within their work environment. The Centre for disease control and American Dental Association have proposed various several short-term guidelines, treatment protocols and it is crucial that dentist and dental students may practice prudently and be equipped once the practice recommences. Aim: The present study was aimed to assess the level of awareness among undergraduate dental students on COVID19 pandemics, infection control measures and various protocols. Methodology: The questionnaire assessed self-reported knowledge about the COVID-19 protocols, precautions and knowledge towards emergency dental care during pandemic. Results: Majority of the participants (87.2%) are familiar with COVID 19 infection and mode of transmission and 74.5% were aware of all the presenting symptoms. 89.1% recommend personal protective equipment (PPE) during dental treatment among which 46% of respondents recommended using 70% ethyl alcohol as the first method to disinfect surfaces in between dental visits and 40.8% opted for 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Overall awareness about COVID-19 pandemic, precautions and protocols among dental students’ scores were 94% (Interns), 88% (Final Years), 79% (Third Years), 74% (Second Years) and 92% (First Years) respectively. Conclusion: World Health Organization (WHO) also believes that advanced investigatory evidence is needed to consider the possibility of aerosol transmission. Despite adequate awareness, the present study emphases that orientation of undergraduate dental students by conducting social awareness programs followed by personal guidance sessions to encounter fear and improve self-confidence is needed.