Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Rubber Dam Usage among Dental Practitioners in Tamil Nadu after COVID-19: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The rubber dam plays an important role in isolation of teeth during dental procedures and helps prevent contamination risks. The usage of rubber dam in day-to-day clinical practice has become crucial during the pandemic. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rubber dam usage among dental practitioners in India during and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional surveybased examination. A pretested 15-item questionnaire was administered to 300 dental practitioners in Tamil Nadu, India, using Google Forms. The questions were categorised into three parameters: knowledge, attitude, and practice. The study population included dentists of all types who were performing restorative and endodontic procedures. Information was collected regarding age, gender, educational qualification, and the use of rubber dam. The questionnaire contained leading questions designed to assess the opinions and attitudes of dentists toward the use of rubber dam. The responses received were statistically analysed using the Chi-square test. Results: Out of the respondents, 257 (85.66%) reported being taught about rubber dam placement, while 43 (14.33%) were unaware of its usage. Prior to the pandemic, 181 (61.35%) of respondents were utilising rubber dam for conservative and endodontic procedures. Only 151 (50.84%) of practitioners believed that rubber dam placement prevents aerosol transmission. Additionally, 266 (89.26%) of respondents expressed willingness to learn and gain knowledge about rubber dam. Conclusion: The study concluded that dental practitioners exhibited a positive attitude towards incorporating rubber dam usage in their practice and showed willingness to update their knowledge about rubber dam, regardless of age, due to the pandemic.