Exploring the Knowledge, Awareness and Practice Regarding Post COVID-19 Mucormycosis among Dental Professionals in Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: The incidence of mucormycosis in post COVID-19 cases increased in the second wave. Patients who had COVID-19 infection with pre-existing co-morbidities underwent treatment and resultant immunosuppression made them vulnerable to secondary infections like mucormycosis. Aim: To analyse the knowledge, level of awareness and practice among the dental professionals towards the mucormycosis infection in patients of post COVID-19 disease. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2021 to June 2021 among 428 dental professionals residing in Tamil Nadu, India. The 16 item questionnaire consisted of questions about knowledge, awareness and practice regarding post COVID-19 mucormycosis infection by dental professionals and were sent to the dental practitioners through online portals. The responses were tabulated and the results were analysed using Chi-square test. Results: The study participants included 264 (61.68%) females and 164 (38.32%) males dental professionals. The dental professionals who participated were in the age range of 21 years to 45 years with a mean of 29.87 +/- 6.52 years. The subjects were categorised under general dental practitioners 254 (59.34%), postgraduate students 96 (22.4%), specialty dental practitioners 78 (18.22%). Total 406 (94.86%) respondents agreed that oral examination is necessary for post COVID-19 patient. Out of 428, 306 (71.49%) of the participants responded that tooth pain associated with headache is a watchful sign in diabetic post COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: This study emphasises the role of dental professionals in diagnosis and management of mucormycosis infection in patients of post COVID-19 disease. Dental professionals demonstrated adequate knowledge about post COVID-19 mucormycosis. This may act as a source of information for the future pandemic crisis.