Assessment of fear psychosis and practice modification in dental fraternity to fight against COVID-19- A Survey in central India population

Abstract

An outburst of coronavirus has tremendously affected the life of every individual. However, indeed, it has drastically been a setback for everyone around the world, but Healthcare professionals are the ones who are suffering as well as serving the most. Specifically, it has affected dental professionals who are at a maximum higher exposure to this coronavirus disease. So this study article aims to assess fear psychosis and practice modifications in dental fraternity to fight against COVID-19. This pandemic has changed the lifestyles of people as well their perspective towards life. Moreover keeping in mind, the current scenario it's vital to assess the knowledge and modifications which Dentist are adopting in their daily practice considering the pandemic situation. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey form from 24th to 31st August 2020. A questionnaire was formulated and uploaded online and circulated amongst dental professionals in central India population. One thousand participants were included from various parts of Central India More than two-thirds of the general dental practitioners (78%) from various regions Were having anxiety about the anxious and scared by the distressing effects of Coronavirus disease. There was awareness seen in almost 85% of dentists about changes in the treatment protocols. Nevertheless, carrying out of the recent protocol for treatment was estimated to be around 60%. The majority of the dentists (66%) were working in the hospital setting, 20% were from government settings. Despite having a high standard of knowledge and practice, dental practitioners around the globe are in a state of anxiety and fear while working in their respective fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on humanity. It has been evaluated that a vast number of population has just shut down their practices for an uncertain period or have restarted the practices with new protocols.