Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice towards splatter/aerosol and air borne isolation precautions among dental professionals during Covid-19 pandemic-A cross sectional study

Abstract

COVID-19 has become a serious issue worldwide. With the increasing cases of COVID-19. It has become necessary for the dentists to have knowledge about the disease and the precautions to be taken to prevent the aerosol contamination. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the awareness of dentists towards the precautionary measures to be taken during the pandemic. An online questionnaire was prepared and distributed to dentists in Tamil Nadu state of India. Convenience, purposive and willing to participate sampling technique was used. The closed end questionnaire consisted of four sections, which included questions about demographics, knowledge regarding covid-19 and aerosol contamination, attitude assessment and practice of the dentists. The acquired data was subjected to statistical analysis and the results were interpreted.A significant number of dentists were found to have good knowledge and practice regarding aerosol contamination. It is important for the dentists to follow the necessary precautions in the clinics to continue a safe and sound practice even during the pandemic. Even though the respondents of the present study seemed to have sufficient knowledge, still there exist a knowledge gap regarding the various precautions to be followed. © 2022 Author(s).