KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING COVID – 19 AMONG THE DENTAL PRACTITIONERS OF WEST BENGAL – A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

*Dr. Aeishi Chatterjee, Dr. Amitabha Chakraborty, Dr. Bibhas Dey, Dr. Sinjana Jana, Dr. Sourav Saha and Dr. Sudip Kumar Sarkar

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID – 19 pandemic is one of the most important current medical concerns across the globe. COVID – 19 era necessitates incorporation of new procedures of approach and management in different aspects of routine dental practice. The present study aims to throw light on the knowledge and awareness regarding COVID – 19 among the dental practitioners of West Bengal. Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted through mail and social media to collect the responses of dentists practicing in West Bengal. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: 1. background characteristics of dentists who participated in the survey and 2. Awa reness among dentists regarding COVID – 19. Responses of dentists treating children were only included. Results: The participants were found to have sufficient awareness regarding the pandemic. Both social media and health authorities helped them to practice with adequate knowledge of prevention. Conclusion: Overall the dentists of West Bengal was found to be well aware of the general aspects of COVID - 19 and incorporated various safety protocols in relation to infant oral health in the light of this new era.

Keywords: COVID – 19 pandemic, questionnaire, pediatric dentistry.