Citation Information :
Jayam C, Lokade A, Agrawal A, Vashisth S, Kalidoss VK, Issar R. Survey vis-à-vis “Information Acquirement Systems” Available for Indian Dentists in the Wake of COVID-19 Crisis. J South Asian Assoc Pediatr Dent 2021; 4 (2):90-95.
A “well-informed dentist” = “best functioning dental care system”. In this context, it is imperative to see how good the information disseminating systems are present for the dentists in times of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The following article is in no way related to clinical guidelines for dentists/care of patients/setting up best practices, rather a mirror on how effectively and efficiently dentists are being provided critical information during this confounding time.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing Google forms was conducted to evaluate “Information Acquirement Systems” available for Indian dentists in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis through a structured questionnaire. Six hundred and sixty-four responses obtained just within a week were obtained for which comparison of participants’ response based on qualification, type of practice, and the experience was computed utilizing Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.
Results: Significant results were obtained on who should dispense the information regarding COVID guidelines for dental practice.
Conclusion: Quantity, quality, and authenticity of the information received confused due to the absence of a single source of information dispensation and uncertainty of the hierarchical system. In the current study, it was found that among the options present, dentists depended mostly on DCI for guidelines and proposed that they should continue to dispense the working guideline. Quantity of guidelines obtained, quality of guidelines was satisfactory, and has enabled to take right decisions currently. They have sometimes actively sought further information and lastly, they are confident to start practices after lifting COVID sanctions.
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