Neppala Gowtham*
Introduction: PPE helps health care professional from exposure by preventing occupational exposure from various highly contagious viruses like Ebola Virus, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and helps them to treat when working in a dental operatory or quarantine facility. PPE is used by healthcare professionals, supporting staff, laboratory staff, family members of patients, and situations where contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions is highly contagious and infectious diseases. PPE acts as a physical barrier between Microorganisms and Health care professionals and protects by preventing microorganisms from contamination of hands, eyes, clothing, hair and shoes.
Materials and methods: A questionnaire-based survey consisting of 10 questions with multiple choices is framed using Google forms by (Google LLC). The demographic data, knowledge-based, and attitude-based sections of the questionnaire were separated. The study subjects' participation was completely voluntary, and no personal information was taken from them. The subjects' willingness to engage in the study was based on their informed consent.
Results: This survey was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the use of PPE during emergencies. This survey enables the reader to better understand the precise and indispensable usage of PPE during health emergencies. Within the limitations of the study, it shows that knowledge concerning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is Moderate, compared to attitude and practice among respondents.
Conclusion: It is recommended that CDE programmes, Hands-on courses, and webinar programs be conducted for dentists to increase their awareness and gain more knowledge about the usage of personal protective equipment.