Knowledge and Anxiety for Dental Treatments Due to COVID-19 among General Public.

INTRODUCTION

The fears, anxiety, and worries created among general population by COVID-19 are severe. The procedures which generate aerosols transmit most of COVID-19 transmission and we know one such procedure is dental treatment. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a change in health-care services; hence, this droplet transmission in dentistry became an issue which needs to be addressed.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive, online questionnaire survey was conducted among adults above 20 years. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details and questions related to anxiety and fear of considering dental treatment during this pandemic situation.

RESULTS

680 people responded for the study, among which 32% had COVID symptoms. 27% of them said that they are afraid of dental treatment during the pandemic whereas 47% said that they will accept if there is an emergency. The main reason for this fear was droplet infection in dental clinics.

CONCLUSION

The fear of dental treatment during pandemic is moderate. This may be due to the self-care, positive behavior toward oral care by the people, and fear of cross-contamination due to airborne infections though the personal protective measures were followed.