Identifying monkeypox: do dental professionals have adequate knowledge and awareness?

Background: The emergence of monkeypox has presented a new challenge for health agencies around the globe. There is significant increase in the number of cases that too in non-endemic countries with more than 18000 cases reported worldwide.

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding monkeypox among dental professionals.

Materials and method: The present cross-sectional study among 410 subjects who were residing in a northern state of the country. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects. Study sample was selected on the basis of Systematic random sampling methodology. A self-designed close-ended questionnaire written in English and verified by experts was utilized for the study. The questionnaire was delivered personally to study subjects to collect the required information. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

Results: One-fourth (24.8%) of the subjects never heard about monkeypox disease. Negative response was given by 44.8% of subjects regarding resemblance of monkeypox with small pox. Only 31.2% of subjects had knowledge regarding oral manifestations of the disease. High knowledge scores were reported by only 28% of subjects. Higher knowledge levels were significantly related to education level and working profile of study subjects. Online media (Internet) was preferred as the main source to obtain more information by 42.2 of subjects.

Conclusion: There was low level of knowledge regarding monkeypox among study subjects. There is an urgent need for dental professionals to keep themselves updated with recent knowledge on new emerging infectious diseases.