Assessment regarding dental practitioners’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards pre-procedural mouth rinse during COVID-19 pandemic – A cross-sectional study in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Objectives: Evolving strains of SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease has challenged the scientific world in limiting the disease and curbing the pandemic. Several factors such as increased salivary viral load in COVID-infected patients, procedures generating aerosols put the dental professionals at high risk of acquiring the disease. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse among the dental practitioners in Coimbatore. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among dental practitioners in Coimbatore using a pre-validated questionnaire which comprised of sections interrogating knowledge, awareness, and practice of the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse in dental setup. One hundred and twenty-five dental practitioners in Coimbatore responded to the questionnaire. Results: Assessment of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of pre-procedural mouthwashes in reducing the bacterial and viral load was 97%. About 89% of dental practitioners were aware of the superior antimicrobial properties of Povidone Iodine in comparison with Chlorhexidine. Only 65% of dental practitioners used pre-procedural mouthwashes in practice. Conclusion: There is high inquisitiveness among dental practitioners in acquiring knowledge regarding preventive measures for SARS-CoV-2 alike the use of pre-procedural mouth rinses in reducing the viral load in COVID-19 infected patients. Although there is high awareness, there exists reluctance in implementing the knowledge acquired in real practice.