Prevalence and duration of loss of smell and taste among COVID-19 affected dentists

Objectives: This study was aimed to look into the prevalence of Sensory loss of Smell and taste among dentists and dental faculty affected with COVID-19 during the current pandemic. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in August, 2021, carrying out detailed evaluation of onset, temporal development and resolution of loss of taste and smell among 207 COVID-19 patients with confirmatory PCR lab reports. Clinical and epidemiological variables of COVID-19 symptoms were studied that included age categories, gender, onset and resolution of loss of taste and smell as compared with other symptoms. This study also included altered taste aspect experienced by the COVID-19 affected dentists. Results: Of 207 previous patients of COVID-19, 168 (81%) reported that they experienced loss of smell and/or loss of taste during the ailment. Of these 168, 151 (89.88%) patients experienced both loss of taste and smell while 17 (10.11%) reported to have been afflicted with isolated loss of smell or isolated loss of taste. Among 114 (67.85%) patients, Onset of loss of smell and taste was reported to be occurring at the same time along with other symptoms. A vast majority of the patients 141 (89.24%) also reported altered taste associated with recovery period of COVID-19. Conclusion: Sensory loss of smell and taste should be regarded as important symptom at the very early stage of COVID-19 and patients should take isolation measures upon appearing of these symptoms.