Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Surgeons in Kerala: A Cross-sectional Online Survey

Background: This cross-sectional study among dentists in Kerala assessed the COVID-19 prevalence and severity, vaccination status, and medication usage in August 2022. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was created to assess the impact of COVID-19 on dental surgeons in Kerala. This questionnaire had 19 questions with multiple choices which were converted into Google Forms and distributed among the dentists residing in Kerala. Results: A total of 650 dentists responded to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 76.4. As of August 2022, the prevalence of COVID-19 among Kerala dentists was found to be 33.23. 60.7 of positive dentists were either asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms. 99 had received at least one vaccine dose, mainly Covishield. The prevalence of COVID-19 positivity was higher among dentists with postgraduate degrees (47.4) in comparison with participants holding only BDS degrees. Conclusion: The prevalence of COVID-19 among practicing dentists was 33.23. All dentists were vaccinated and used good preventive measures. Keywords: COVID-19, dentists, Kerala, prevalence