Objective: This study’s objective was to examine the knowledge, performance in practicing protective behaviors, and risk perception of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) among dental students of India. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from 10–30 August 2020, involving 381 dental students that were enrolled at the Uttaranchal Dental and Medical Research Institute in India. A web-based structured questionnaire assessed the COVID-19 related knowledge, protective behaviors, and risk perception performance. The independent-samples-t and analysis of variance tests were used to analyze the differences in knowledge, protective behaviors, and perception across the groups. Results: Of the dental students surveyed, 83% had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, and nearly 80% followed appropriate practices regarding COVID-19. The COVID-19 related risk perception was higher among females as compared to males. COVID-19 related knowledge was significantly correlated with preventive behaviors (r = 0.18; p < 0·01) and risk perception (r = 0.10; p < 0.05). We found a high score of COVID-19 related knowledge and precautionary behaviors and moderate risk perception among students. Conclusions: Knowledge and protective behaviors towards infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, have clinical applications in developing educational and formal training programs to promote adherence to the infection control practices among dental students. Clinical significance: The findings of this study will inform policymakers to emphasize on effective risk communication. Dental institutions can incorporate infection control modules in the current curriculum, thereby making future dental professionals capable of performing effective infection control management in the clinical settings. This is critical in improving their knowledge of infection control practices to minimize the risk of nosocomial infections.

Purpose:The social distancing mandates instituted during COVID-19 pandemic mark the sudden transition in the mode of dental education's delivery to the virtual instruction. It is vital to assess students' perceptions towards virtual learning environments, particularly among those gaining education in resource-strained countries. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the perceptions of dental undergraduates towards online education, environment and transferable skills and patient care during COVID-19 in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: Dental preclinical and clinical undergraduate students from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka were recruited from November 2020 to March 2021 through a 47-item web-based survey consisting of psychometrically valid subscales of Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) and Transferable Skills Questionnaire. The mean scores of students' perceptions of learning, environment, and patient care skills were compared among preclinical and clinical students of the participating countries. Results: Of total 930 participants, 44.4% were from India, 26.1% from Sri Lanka and 29.5% responses from Nepal. Sri Lanka reported the highest mean scores across all domains of perception indicative of positive attitude. Clinical students from all participating countries had statistically significantly higher positive perception of transferable skills in patient care as opposed to their preclinical counterparts. On the contrary, perception towards learning was higher among preclinical students as opposed to clinical students. These differences were statistically significant for Nepal and Sri Lanka. Conclusion:The findings of this study underscore the need to develop and implement effective online dental educational interventions to foster academic growth and essential practical skills without compromising academic rigor and continuity in the dental education curriculum.

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption of all spheres of life, including health, financial, and socio behavioral. Given the rampant nature of the pandemic, several nations, including India has instituted stringent public health measures, with one being nationwide lockdown, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Previous studies reported increased stress and anxiety levels among general population during phase 1 (complete) lockdown, however, the effect of extended lockdown (phase 2) on mental health outcomes remains the subject of investigation till today. Therefore, this cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the psychological outcomes among general population during phase 2 lockdown. The online questionnaire surveyed 627 individuals from the general population using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, including the frequency distribution, mean and standard deviations were generated. Mean differences across groups were analyzed through independent-samples- t and analysis of variance tests. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated a higher mean score of anxiety and stress among females compared to males. Young adults aged between 21-39 years had the highest mean stress and anxiety scores compared to other categories. The mean anxiety score increased from retired (M=3.96, SD=4.76, to students (M=7.04, SD=7.11), to unemployed (M=9.0, SD=6.53) occupation groups. The findings of this study highlight the need for designing psychosocial regulatory frameworks and suitable interventions to address the needs of those being mentally traumatized by the pandemic and associated lockdowns. The study also advocates for establishing psychological health monitoring and telepsychiatry systems for identifying and treating mental health problems.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of disinfection and steam autoclaving on the elastic recovery of three different elastomeric impression materials. Settings and Design: In vivo - comparative study. Materials and Methods: Ninety dumbbell-shaped specimens of commercially available two addition-cured silicones (AFFINIS and AQUASIL) and one condensation-cured silicone (SPEEDEX) impression materials were prepared and treated with chemical disinfectant and steam autoclaving. Specimens were seal packed and sent to laboratory for testing elastic recovery. After the specimen had been pulled to failure, the broken parts were fitted back together, and the distance between the marks was measured using an electronic Vernier caliper. Statistical Analysis Used: one-way analysis of variance test and Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results: The result showed significant difference in elastic recovery of AFFINIS when it was disinfected and steam autoclaved whereas elastic recovery showed no significant difference when SPEEDEX and AQUASIL were disinfected and steam autoclaved. Similarly, results were alike when AFFINIS, SPEEDEX, and AQUASIL were compared on disinfection. However, significant difference was noted on steam autoclaving, highest being the mean value of AFFINIS. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, conclusion was made that the elastic recovery of AFFINIS was the least which improved with disinfection and autoclaving. Elastic recovery of SPEEDEX and AQUASIL was similar. However, all the three materials used in the study can be safely sterilized after clinical use and before being sent to the laboratory without significantly affecting their elastic recovery.

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