Exploring Dentists’ Awareness and Approaches to Mucormycosis: A Post-COVID Orofacial Complication in the Context of Communicable Diseases

Mukesh Kumar; Uma Murugaiyan; Abhinav Jha; Abhishek Singh; B SendilKumar; M Venkatesh; B Arjun; Namrata Kumari

Mukesh Kumar Reader, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sarjug Dental College and Hospital, Bihar, India
Uma Murugaiyan Principal, Mangayarkarasi College of Arts and Science for Women, Paravai, Madurai, India, Sarjug Dental College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Abhinav Jha Reader, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sarjug Dental College and Hospital, Bihar, India
Abhishek Singh Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sarjug Dental College and Hospital, Bihar, India
B SendilKumar Dean, School of Allied Health Sciences, Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
M Venkatesh Post Graduate in Master of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
B Arjun Reader, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sarjug Dental College and Hospital, Bihar, India
Namrata Kumari Advance Dental Care, Patna, Bihar, India

Abstract

Iintroduction: COVID-19 has increased opportunistic infections like
mucormycosis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Dentists
play a key role in early detection and management of post-COVID
oral complications, yet their awareness of mucormycosis remains
underexplored.
Objective: This study assesses dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and
practices regarding mucormycosis as a post-COVID orofacial complication.
Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed dentists’ demographics,
awareness, and clinical practices on post-COVID mucormycosis. Data
were statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0.

Results: Among participants, 81.6% had a fair understanding of post-
COVID fungal infections, and 99.2% correctly identified mucormycosis.

However, only 77.6% knew its diagnostic criteria. While 87% recognized
mucormycosis as a complication, 72.8% identified rhino-orbital-cerebral
mucormycosis as the most common type. Additionally, 73% were
aware of treatment protocols, but only 17.8% had screened patients
in the past year.
Conclusion: Although dentists show strong awareness, gaps exist in
clinical preparedness and diagnostic accuracy. Targeted training can
enhance early detection, intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration
for better patient outcomes.

How to cite this article:
Kumar M, Murugaiyan U, Jha A, Singh A,
Kumar B S, Venkatesh M, Arjun B, Kumari N.
Exploring Dentists’ Awareness and Approaches
to Mucormycosis: A Post-COVID Orofacial
Complication in the Context of Communicable
Diseases. J Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):109-114.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202514

References

.