Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Ravleen Nagi.
ravleennagi@yahoo.in

Abstract

Background:  A novel coronavirus SARS CoV 2 is one of the major outbreak affecting various countries worldwide since December 2019, and is a big challenge for health care professionals due to the high rate of contagious spread. Dentists are more prone to acquire infection due to face to face communication with the patient, touch with infected equipment, and exposure to saliva, blood and handling of sharp instruments. Hence, it is mandatory to adhere to preventive and infection control protocols to reduce the spread of infection while radiographic examinations. Materials and Method: This study included  168 dentists including oral radiologists who gave consent to fill the online survey structured questionnaire comprising of 40 questions pertaining to demographic information, COVID 19  transmission, its clinical symptoms, infection control measures and radiological considerations during COVID 19 pandemic.  Fifteen questionnaires were not adequately filled, and final 153 completed responses were subjected to statistical analysis.  Results:  Results showed that 76(49.7 % ) dentists reported incubation period of 2-14 days, they were well aware of modes of transmission and clinical symptoms, touch 124(81%),  droplet 131 (85.6%), hand mouth contact 121(79.1%), saliva 107(69.9%), airborne 91(59.4%)  were suggested as primary routes in the dental setting, when questioned regarding infection control majority of dentists reported limitation of radiology staff 115 (75.1%), hand hygiene 131( 85.6%), Social distancing 134 (87.5%)  and use of protective PPE 126 (82.3%) as effective preventive measures to curtail the spread. In relation to radiographic protocols, their awareness level was comparatively less,  132 (86.2%) dentists advised radiograph in emergencies dental problems,  nearly 50%  advised intraoral radiograph and extraoral radiograph for cellulitis and maxillofacial trauma. Conclusion: Dentists including oral radiologists were well aware of general characteristic features, and infection control measures related to COVID 19 infection, however they had limited comprehension about the  radiographic protocols, therefore dentists should be made aware about various national and international