Impact of Covid-19 on Dentistry

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 outbreak, which has devolved into a public health calamity, has aroused widespread concern about infection control methods among health care staff, notably dentists. The goal of this study was to ascertain dentists' awareness, fear, and willingness to implement CDC-recommended practise adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We used an online survey form to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. After conducting a reliability analysis, the questionnaire was created using Google Forms and distributed to all dentists via social media and WhatsApp. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. We used frequencies and percentages to conduct a question-by-question analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the Kruskal Wallis test were used to assess the association between level of awareness and educational achievement and work environment.

Results: The poll gathered data from 120 dentists who completed it online. The response rate was surprisingly acceptable given Pakistan's declaration of a state of emergency and the fact that the bulk of hospitals and clinics were either shuttered or operated with the bare minimum of employees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's standards were fully comprehended by the majority of dentists. In comparison, 75% of dental professionals were concerned about catching an infection and 88% were concerned about performing therapy on their patients. Sixty-eight percent of them avoided procedures that generated aerosols, whereas only 28 percent protected themselves with rubber dam isolation. Additionally, a positive correlation (p = 0.01) was discovered between the designation and the level of knowledge on the subject. In a similar vein, a statistically significant relationship between qualification and job environment was discovered (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The study's findings can be utilized to establish ways to assure compliance with infection control requirements in locations with a low level of compliance, such as developing countries. Implementing awareness campaigns to aid people in overcoming fear, as well as providing faculty and staff in selected locations, could considerably contribute to minimising illness spread and, as a result, the strain on healthcare systems in underdeveloped nations like Pakistan..