Impact of COVID-19 on Life Experiences of Essential Workers Attending a Dental Testing Facility

Abstract

COVID-19 poses a threat to health and well-being. Objectives: 1) To compare the impact of COVID-19 on the life experiences of essential workers attending a COVID-19 antibody testing clinic at a dental school. 2) To compare responses of dental, non–dental health care, and non–health care essential workers. 3) To assess acceptability/satisfaction of testing done in a dental setting. Method: A total of 984 participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Over 90% were healthy (i.e., not in a high-risk health-related group for COVID-19), did not have COVID-19 symptoms within 30 d, and always/frequently engaged in preventive measures. Fifty-eight percent thought that they had a 0% to 25% chance of having immunity/antibodies to COVID-19. Non–dental health care workers thought that their chance was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than others. Over 70% were sometimes, frequently, or always worried about their friends and loved ones getting COVID-19 and of resulting financial problems. Dental workers were significantly less afraid than non–dental health care and non–health care providers. For all groups, more than half of the respondents stated that the pandemic had a negative (somewhat worse or worse) impact on daily life (59%), interactions with others (65%), stress levels (66%), and enjoyment of life (56%). There were significant differences among all 3 groups regarding the percentage of individuals with a negative impact on job security (dental, 47%; non–dental health care, 34%; non–health care, 31%). However, more than half of the respondents stated that the pandemic had a positive impact (same, somewhat better, or much better) on caring about one another, self-care, and exercise. Knowing the results of an antibody test would decrease the level of stress and anxiety in 67% of respondents. Over 80% found a COVID-19 test received in a dental setting acceptable, were “definitely” satisfied, and would “definitely” recommend it to a friend, family, or coworker. Conclusions: These findings support that dental workers are as vulnerable as other essential workers to threats and psychological impacts of COVID-19. They also support the acceptability and satisfaction of testing for a pandemic done in a dental setting. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study highlight the impact that pandemics such as COVID-19 can have on life experiences of essential workers, including dentists. It also highlights a role that dentistry can play within the broader health care system, during and beyond the current pandemic, to help with surveillance efforts of community health. Testing may also help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with these pandemics.

A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Risks to Health Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…In maternity services, for example, healthcare staff need to adjust in changed practices that may be in direct conflict with evidence, professional recommendations or moral beliefs and values of HCWs [ 96 ]. Studies also show that surgeons [ 91 ], dental health staff [ 97 , 98 , 99 ] mental health staff and trainees [ 100 ], ophthalmologists [ 53 ], and community pharmacists [ 101 ] are exposed to increased emotional strain and vulnerable to mora l injury.…”

Proposal for Tier-Based Resumption of Dental Practice Determined by COVID-19 Rate, Testing and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Perspective

“…What is more, the positive ‘psychological effect’ of rapid COVID-19 testing in dental settings cannot be underestimated, enabling reassurance, and strengthening patients’/staff confidence [ 30 ]. As a result, this approach, although costly and logistically challenging in resource-limited areas, would improve the patient attendance rate and reduce the employee’s absence rate [ 30 ]. Most importantly, regular rapid LFATs are recommended as a routine protocol for staff members who provide special care dentistry for medically compromised individuals, persons with special needs (intellectual or developmental disabilities), and frail care home residents, to limit the treatment-related risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 31 ].…”

“…However, the advantages of applying LFATs as an additional measure to protect DCWs while resuming the routine dental care prevail over their limitations (Table 1). What is more, the positive 'psychological effect' of rapid COVID-19 testing in dental settings cannot be underestimated, enabling reassurance, and strengthening patients'/staff confidence [30]. As a result, this approach, although costly and logistically challenging in resource-limited areas, would improve the patient attendance rate and reduce the em-ployee's absence rate [30].…”

Impact of COVID-19 on the future career plans of dentists

“…Fontana et al found that DHCWs were vulnerable to the threat of COVID-19 and its psychological impact to the same extent as other essential workers. 5 The dental profession is considered high-risk due to contact with the potentially contaminated saliva or blood carrying diverse pathogens, such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as a result of occupational accidents. 6 Contagion with SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with the infected patient while performing dental procedures is possible.…”