The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Practice and the Acceptance and Attitude of Indian Dental Professionals towards COVID-19 Vaccine – A Cross- Sectional Observational Survey

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the acceptance, accessibility, experiences, side effects and attitude of dental professionals after administration of the vaccine and their perspective regarding the effect of COVID-19 on dental practice and patient education.

Materials and Methods: This survey is based on the questionnaire that was conducted among Indian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluated dentist’s opinion on COVID-19 vaccination, their acceptance, knowledge, attitude and side effects experienced if any post vaccination and also their perspective regarding the effect of COVID-19 on dental practice and patient education.

Results: Overall 155 dentists contributed to this study (51% general dentists & 49% specialists). 85% of the dentists opted for COVID-19 vaccination, however 56% of them were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. Fever (21%) and pain at the injection site (20%) were the most prevalent side effects after the vaccine .As far as modifications done in daily practice, only 8% cases were being done considering them as most urgent.

Conclusion: Dental professionals are the reliable source of health information, their acceptance or rejection to COVID-19 vaccine can influence the general population’s uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine.