Knowledge, attitude and preparedness to combat COVID-19 infection among dental professionals: A student-centric pilot study

BACKGROUND: In the COVID-19 age, attempts are being made to raise student awareness and improve best practices to contain the outbreak. METHODOLOGY: The target population was interns and 3(rd)year undergraduate students from JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru. COVID-19 knowledge, awareness and attitude of the students and interns and the preparedness to tackle the current COVID 19 pandemic were assessed. RESULTS: 120 respondents responded via a contented validated self-administered questionnaire with regard to knowledge, attitude and practices and preparedness to address the COVID 19 pandemic by undergraduates and interns. The student participants irrespective of their years into practice were aware of the guidelines being issued by Health care authorities and to address the COVID 19 pandemic. Among the respondents, 57.5% were 3(rd) year dental students and 42.5% were interns. Regarding knowledge about COVID infection, 42.9% (3(rd) year students) and 57.1% of the interns were aware of the recent developments, 34.1% of the III year students were aware of the safe distance to be maintained between patients, 42.4% of the students and 57.6% of interns were aware of the authority to be contacted with suspected COVID 19 infections. The participants were also aware of the vaccine trial which was conducted. Most of the respondents (64.3% of the students and 78.6% of the interns) were aware of fumigation in clinical or high-contact areas on a daily basis and biweekly in nonclinical areas. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a strong need to encourage the current training program among students in health care-related fields.