European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has become a growing public health challenge for countries across the world. The risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners due to the characteristics of the dental setting. Dentists should constantly be aware of such infectious threats that challenge the routine infection control regimen. The aim of this study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among dental undergraduate students. An online questionnaire that consisted of a series of questions regarding dentists’ demoFigureic details; their knowledge about the incubation period, the symptoms, mode of transmission and infection control measures for prevention of COVID-19; and their attitude toward treating patients with COVID-19 was used. The study was conducted among undergraduate students of a private dental institute. Data was collected from filled questionnaires and analysed using SPSS software. A total of 209 undergraduate dental students participated in the online survey. A majority of students (96.7%) believe that transmission of COVID-19 can be prevented by using standard and isolation precautions given by CDC, WHO, ICMR and 73.2% were aware of the guidelines to be followed during the COVID-19 lockdown. 92.3% had not undergone any online training for management of patients during COVID-19. Study participants (62.7%) also expressed a positive attitude towards willingness to perform emergency dental procedures. Almost half the study population refused to perform their clinical rotation in a hospital without clear COVID-19 infection control isolation policy. Majority of the participants had sufficient knowledge regarding transmission and risk of spread of COVID-19 in dental settings. Students also demonstrated a positive attitude toward performing dental treatment provided adequate guidelines were followed in the hospital.