Knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 and dental treatment - Its availability and treatment satisfaction during the pandemic among adult population - An online survey

BACKGROUND: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease primarily spreading through droplet infection which require significant restriction and modification in dental treatment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of adult population toward COVID-19 and dental treatment and to assess the availability of dental treatment and patient satisfaction during the time of pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted using self-designed electronic questionnaire consisting knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and dental scenario and questions regarding availability of dental treatment received during the time of pandemic. Knowledge scores were assessed on a maximum total score ranged from 0 to 8, and descriptive statistics were done for questions related to attitudes and dental treatment availability. RESULTS: A total of 495 participants with mean age of 36.6 years participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 7.12 ± 0.99 and the participants were found to have good awareness and positive attitude regarding COVID-19 were as considerable number of participants were unaware about the risk associated with dental treatment as well as restrictions imposed on dental procedures. About 18% of participants experienced one or other form of dental complaints during the lockdown period. 4% of participants had no accessibility to any form of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Public awareness is to be improved regarding risk of cross infection that can be associated with dental treatment and public should be motivated to use virtual facilities like tele-dentistry so that no dental emergencies is left untreated, at the same time avoiding any sort of unnecessary hospital visit during the pandemic time.