Knowledge, attitude, and perception of dental community toward monkeypox virus outbreak in India: A cross-sectional survey

Background: The 2024 outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) virus has accentuated dire concerns regarding global public health preparedness, particularly within high-risk domain. The dental setups are more susceptible to viral transmission because of aerosol production and close tangible engagements inherent to dental care. This research has focused on assessing and equating the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of undergraduate dental students and faculty members about Mpox in Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research was done on 176 participants, consisting of 130 undergraduate dental students and 46 faculty members from a dental institution in Delhi, India. An online questionnaire was utilized to systematically evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions concerning Mpox. The statistical analysis of data was done using Chi-square tests and independent t -tests to derive meaningful insights and comparisons. Results: Faculty members trounced the undergraduate dental students in knowledge scores, showcasing complete awareness of Mpox (100%) and a deeper understanding of its mode of transmission, clinical presentation, and preventive measures. Moreover, they exhibited more favourable attitudes, with 95.6% recognizing Mpox as a significant public health concern and demonstrating a stronger inclination toward vaccination for prevention. Conclusion: Notable differences in knowledge, attitude, and perceptions about Mpox were identified among undergraduate dental students and faculty members. Faculty members displayed a significantly higher understanding of Mpox transmission pathways, more enterprising attitudes toward infection prevention, and greater adherence to established preventive measures. These findings highlight the imperative for carefully designed educational strategies aimed at strengthening Mpox awareness and preparedness among undergraduate dental students.