Outlook of dentists towards working in covid-19 screening and treatment camps - a questionnaire based survey

Background: With increasing COVID-19 cases in India, hospitals and doctors have been facing the brunt of the crisis. While government hospitals treating COVID-19 are limited, private hospitals are charging unimaginable rates. It has become the biggest challenge to accommodate the increasing number of cases. Dentists have been confined to their homes, due to the high risk nature of the profession. The medical background of dentists has inspired the government to start employing them to help in the fight against COVID-19. Due to the lack of manpower, more and more dentists are being recruited to help, assist and contribute to the requirement in COVID-19 camps. Aim: This survey aims to analyse the attitude of dentists towards working in such camps and gauge their willingness to work and serve in these camps if need be. Methodology: A sample of 107 participants was taken after assessing the sample size within the age group of 18 - 35 yrs of age. A Questionnaire was created on google forms and circulated to participants using various social media platforms. The data of responses of participants was analysed on google forms application itself with the help of pie charts and graphs. Results: The survey analyzed the increased willingness of Dentists to volunteer, work and serve in the COVID-19 camps, despite being worried and well aware about putting themselves and their families at a risk of infection. Not only were they willing to volunteer themselves, but they also were willing to motivate fellow dentists to volunteer in COVID-19 camps, thus pointing out the positive awareness amongst the fraternity of dentists regarding the need for increased manpower. Conclusion: This questionnaire based survey clearly helped in assessing the outlook of dentists towards working in camps treating COVID-19 patients. The results turned out to be positive concluding the increased willingness of dentists to work and serve for a noble cause. However, increased awareness amongst dentists is still required by conducting continued professional education.