Understanding mucormycosis: A questionnaire-based study on dentists knowledge, awareness, and attitude in Uttarakhand

Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal opportunistic fungal illness that is brought on by molds from the Zygomycetes class, specifically the Mucorales order.It predominantly affects individuals with diabetes and compromised immune systems. In India, the number of COVID-19 cases has significantly increased recently. The unexpected surge in mucormycosis cases has prompted several Indian states and union territories to designate the disease an epidemic, placing further strain on the already overworked healthcare system. To evaluate Uttarakhand dentists’ attitude, knowledge, and awareness of mucormycosis. A study assessing dentists in Uttarakhand's knowledge, understanding, and attitudes regarding mucormycosis was carried out between May and June of 2024. The fourteen online survey was distributed to recent graduates, postgraduate (MDS) students, MDS faculty members employed as academic staff in dental colleges, and local private practitioners. In this research, 218 dentists took part and the average scores for knowledge and awareness among participants were 58.03% and 85.9%, respectively. Enhancing dentists’ knowledge and perspectives on mucormycosis, a recently identified public health concern, is essential. Standard care for mucormycosis must include early detection, risk factor minimization, and underlying condition management. Patients with predisposed circumstances require a high degree of suspicion, which healthcare providers must maintain to diagnose the disease quickly. This emphasizes how crucial an interdisciplinary team approach is to the diagnosis and care of those afflicted with this condition.