Stress level of dentists during COVID-19 pandemic in hot spots of Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The novel 2019 COVID-19 spreads by respiratory and aerosols, and this elevates the risk of dentistry during this pandemic. Widespread disease, in a short time, creates stress and has a psychological impact. The aim of this study was planned to assess the stress level of the dentists living or practicing or studying in hot spots which could help to understand mental status among the general dentists during COVID-19 lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period of August 10 to August 25, 2020, on an Internet platform after getting consent from the dentists and practitioners using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Chi-square association was used. Parametric tests such as independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were also used. In all instances, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study had a total response from 1044 dental students and dentists residing in hot spot zones in Tamil Nadu. Out of them, 68.4% were female and 31.6% were male. 37.9% of the participants were dental practitioners and 32.5% were undergraduate students. There is a significant association between age groups and PSS, work style, and PSS. There is no significant association between gender and PSS and degree and PSS. CONCLUSION: This study shows that levels of distress were higher than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic among the dentists and majority of the respondents have moderate-to-high-stress levels. As the unlock has been started throughout the country, it is the right time to work with the authorities and focus on formulating protocols for disinfection and sterilization and work on treating the patients with exact safety measures for the welfare of the patients.