Pragathi R Bhat

Abstract

Context (Background): Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 or SARS-CoV-2 is a deadly pandemic sickness that is currently affecting throughout the globe and the need of the hour is that people become aware about the contagious disease, and are willing to undergo the Covid-19 test as an when needed. Aim: To assess the degree of willingness to undergo covid test amongst patients visiting SDMCDSH, Dharwad. Settings & Design : A questionnaire with 15 questions pertaining to their willingness to undergo a covid test was assessed in 332 participants. Materials and Methods: A pre-tested close ended questionnaire comprising of 15 questions were distributed to 332 patients between 18-65 years of age visiting outpatient department of SDMCDSH, Dharwad with questions related to willingness of the participants to undergo COVID-19 test. A Pearson’s Chi Square value using an SPSS software was used to assess the differences in the gender, level of education and occupation of all the subjects. A statistically significant p-value was set as < 0> Results & Conclusions: Majority of the study participants had a positive attitude towards covid test and were willing to undergo the test as and when needed thus concluding that most of the patients visiting outpatient department of SDMCDSH, Dharwad were aware about the deadly covid-19 pandemic disease and were willing to undergo a covid test so as to prevent the spread of infection. Key Message: Majority of the population have a positive attitude towards covid test and are willing to undergo the test if needed so as to prevent the spread of infection.   Keywords: Willingness, COVID test, specimen collection, COVID symptoms, COVID­19

View Article

Abstract

Context and Design: The speciality of periodontology has been evolved with leaps and bounds in all aspects ranging from advances in diagnostic aids to use of growth factors and periodontal regeneration techniques in treatment, thus making speciality per se reach new heights. Moreover, with development of technology, periodontal treatment is freely accessible to general dental practitioners. However, knowledge of periodontal diagnosis and treatment is usually limited to undergraduate level and most of times private practice deals only with chief complaint of patient. Aim: Evaluate the knowledge and perception of general dentists towards periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: The study involved a survey for 50 practicing general dentists having their clinics in Hubli-Dharwad city with qualification of Bachelor of Dental Surgery only. A pre-tested close ended questionnaire was distributed comprising of 20 questions and knowledge, perception levels were assessed. Statistical Analysis used: Percentage-wise distribution of responses to various questions was used. Results: Although 90.4% of general dentists did believe in the success of periodontal treatment and did recommend their patients to undergo various periodontal treatment procedures, 88.5% of the dentists performed most of periodontal surgeries and phase I therapy on their own. 78% of dentists referred cases to specialist only for grafting, ridge augmentation and dental implant procedures. About 71.2% of dentists considered gingival health for prosthetic considerations and 94.2% of them did evaluate periodontal condition before referring case for orthodontic treatment. It was noted that 84.6% of dentists followed up periodontal cases as a part of maintenance phase and 57.7% of them did attend CDE program regarding consequences periodontal disease progression and its treatment outcomes in past 1 year. Conclusions: In this study, dentists reported rendering nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy on a wide scale. Majority of dentists did attend CDE programs on periodontology and have gained knowledge about periodontal disease and its current treatment modalities. Although dentists do have good perception on success of periodontal treatment, majority of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment was performed by general dentists on their own. Thus the need of the hour is to establish a proper periodontal referral relationship among the general dentists of Hubli-Dharwad. Key Message: Although dentists do have good perception on success of periodontal treatment, majority of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment was performed by general dentists on their own. Thus the need of the hour is to establish a proper periodontal referral relationship among the general dentists of Hubli-Dharwad city. Keywords: Periodontal referral, General dentists, Periodontal treatment, Dental practice, Speciality practice.

View Article