Year : 2020

Volume : Volume 11

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Anaba Asif.
AnabaAsif@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and preparedness among Patna, Bihar dentists towards COVID- 19. Materials & Methods: 250 dental surgeons of Bihar of both genders were included. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among dentists. It comprised of information regarding knowledge and preparedness towards COVID- 19 such as symptoms, incubation period, laboratory tests etc. was recorded. Results: There were 140 male and 110 female dentists, <30 years of age were seen in 25, 30-40 years had 105, 41-50 years had 70 and >50 years had 50 dentists, 180 were BDS and 70 were MDS. 85% responded that SARSCoV-2 cause of COVID- 19, 90.4% replied that 2-14 days is the incubation period, 56% correctly replied that 6.8 % is the incubation period for COVID- 19 and 82.3% replied that rRT-PCR is the laboratory test available for detection of COVID- 19. 54% replied that virus is highly contagious, 35% found it moderately contagious and 11% found non- contagious. Dentists fall under very high by65%, high by 20% and low by 15%. In response to question, dentist should provide dental treatment to a previous COVID-19- positive patient, 76% replied yes, no by 10% and don’t know by 14%. Masks, head cap and Sanitize protect against virus, 82% replied yes, 10% replied no and 8% replied don’t know. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that dentists had sufficient knowledge and preparedness towards COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19, Knowledge, Preparedness.