Impact of COVID-19 on dental technicians

Abstract

Objectives:The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on dental technicians and dental laboratories. Methods: In June 2020, self-reported questionnaires were distributed to and completed by dental technicians who attended the Seoul Dental Technologist Association's academic conference (n=210). The responses were cross analyzed with frequency analysis (α=0.05). Results: Due to COVID-19, the number of employees has decreased to less than 20%, and sales of dental laboratories have decreased by 21-40%. On the Likert 5-point scale for individual precautions, 'I wear a mask when using public transportation' was the highest at 4.80. If infected with COVID-19, 'my family's infection is most concerned' was the highest 3.89, but there was no significant difference between having children under the age of 13 in the family and having an elderly family over 65 years old (P>0.05). Conclusions: To prevent infection by dental technicians, it is mandatory to check body temperature when going to work and refrain from eating while working. As COVID-19 continues for a long time, it is necessary to continuously investigate the status of infected persons among dental technicians and vaccination rates as health care workers.