COVID-19: Another Cause of Dental Anxiety?

Abstract

Background Fear has always been closely linked to dentistry but it could be intensified by the objective risks imposed by the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of the frightened dental patient during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine measures taken by dentists to reduce fear and increase security among their patients. Material/Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted between March 15 and April 15, 2021. The respondents were 2060 adult citizens of the Republic of Serbia. In addition to demographic data, data related to the COVID-19 pandemic, dental fear, and attitudes and fear of dental interventions during the ongoing pandemic were compiled. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: the chi-square test and Pearson’s coefficient. Results Seventy percent of the respondents felt some level of fear of the ongoing pandemic, 50% felt fear of going to a dentist during the pandemic, 20% considered a dental office a hotspot for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and 43% would visit their dentist only in the case of emergency. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the attitudes and behavior of people pertaining to visits to dental offices. Identifying frightened patients and their opinions and fears at this challenging time would make it easier for dentists to include protocols in their everyday practice to increase a sense of security among their patients, such as implementing preventive measures in front of the patients, ensuring an empty waiting room, and providing telephone consultations.

Evaluating the influence of static management on individuals’ oral health

“…Another explanation is that the static management caused by the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the dental anxiety of potential patients. Investigation focusing on the attitude of patients toward dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that the majority of individuals defined dental offices as high-risk places and hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19 [ 29 ]. Thus, nearly 50% of patients presented fear of dental visits during the pandemic, which was significantly higher than that in the days before the outbreak [ 29 ].…”

“…Investigation focusing on the attitude of patients toward dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that the majority of individuals defined dental offices as high-risk places and hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19 [ 29 ]. Thus, nearly 50% of patients presented fear of dental visits during the pandemic, which was significantly higher than that in the days before the outbreak [ 29 ]. In addition, static management was found to be a risk factor for individuals’ financial crises [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Gambaran Kunjungan Pasien di Ruang Bertekanan Negatif Semasa Pandemi Covid-19

“…dengan sebanyak 2.060 responden yaitu 50% responden merasa takut pergi ke dokter gigi selama pandemi, 20% menganggap klinik gigi sebagai tempat terjadinya penularan SARS-CoV-2, dan 43% mengunjungi dokter gigi hanya dalam keadaan darurat. 23 Hal ini dikarenakan pasien merasa cemas dan takut tertular infeksi di lingkungan dokter gigi, sehingga mengakibatkan adanya peningkatan jumlah kunjungan yang dibatalkan serta penurunan jumlah pemeriksaan pertama dan kunjungan dari pasien baru. 24,25 Selama pandemi Covid-19 agar masyarakat bisa berkonsultasi mengenai kesehatan gigi dan mulut tanpa tatap muka maka digunakanlah metode berupa teledentistry.…”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthodontic Adult Patients’ Characteristics and Decision on Orthodontic Appliance

“…Studies showed the use of protective equipment like hair caps, face shields, and environmental disinfection protocols has significantly improved in dental practice after COVID-19 outbreak. 1 , 2 There have already been a variety of studies exploring the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dentistry including the aspect of the dentists and the patients. 3 However, in orthodontic field specifically, there have been few studies on similar topics regarding the influence of the pandemic on the orthodontic patients’ pattern change in decision making and concerns.…”