Assessment of fear factors and practice related modifications in response to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak among dental practitioners in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala

Abstract

Dentists are more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection as they work close to the patient and viral transmission by saliva has proven to be the commonest source of disease transmission. In this scenario, it is natural for dental practitioners to be afraid of getting infected with COVID-19. As a strategy to continue dental practice in the pandemic, it is also pertinent to assess the dentist’s knowledge of practice modifications in the dental setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental practitioners registered with the Indian Dental Association local branch to assess the fear, anxiety, and knowledge regarding practice modifications. Data collection was done through google forms and commenced after obtaining informed consent from the study participants. Eight factors each corresponding to fear and knowledge on practice modifications pretested and validated were administered to the dental practitioners. Anxiety was assessed using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS).: Nearly 46 percent of dental practitioners presented with moderate fear. Fear related to transmitting the infection to family (84.4%), treating patients with symptoms (76.6%), and getting infected from patients or co-workers (53.1%) were the common fear factors reported by the dental practitioners. Increased fear was significantly associated with females, specialist dentists, and those working in the government sector. CAS score >9 was reported only by 1.3% of dental practitioners, indicative of probable dysfunctional corona-related anxiety. Good knowledge of practice-related modifications in COVID times was reported by 47.4% of dental practitioners. The study highlighted a considerable amount of fear among dental practitioners. Psychological support mechanisms to facilitate the mental health of dental practitioners such as regular counseling sessions till the wane of the pandemic, followed by a few years post-pandemic, and implementing periodic mental health screening need to be implemented by the Government and concerned health authorities.