Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Dental Preferences of Patients in the Private Sector

Abstract

Proper oral health care has an impact on the health of the entire body. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the functioning of the healthcare sector, including dental services. The aim of this study was to analyse the behaviour of patients with regard to their use of dental services during the pandemic. The data were obtained from paper registration forms taken from five dental offices in the city of Cracow between March 2019 and February 2021. During the analysed periods, interest among first-time patients in dental services decreased to 37% (during the month when interest in dental services was at its lowest) compared to the year preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of cancelled visits increased by between 15% and 50% compared to the pre-pandemic period. During the pandemic, appointments made by existing patients increased by up to 84% compared to 2019. The decision by patients to postpone dental treatment not only has adverse effects on their oral and body health, but in turn results in higher health care costs. Given the potential for another pandemic, further long-term research is required to develop and implement special protocols to make the public aware of the safety of health care.

COVID-19: Another Cause of Dental Anxiety?

“…These findings agree with previously published results of other authors who also noted the negative impact of COVID-19 on the “flow” of dental patients and their willingness to complete their treatment [ 19 , 25 ]. The fear of transmitting the infection in the dental environment has been reflected in the increase in the number of canceled visits and the reduced number of first examinations and new patients [ 20 , 22 ]. Oshima et al noted that the number of patients attending regular dental check-ups due to the pandemic was reduced by 30% [ 24 ].…”

Determining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Care in the Serbian Adult Population: An Online Questionnaire-Based Study

“…At the beginning of the pandemic, studies were primarily concerned with protective measures against the spread of the virus in the dental environment [13,14,[32][33][34]. Given that the pandemic is lasting longer than expected, there have also been studies dealing with its impact on dental practice [23,28,35]; those focusing on the effects on oral health are particularly important [20,36]. Studies conducted in Serbia linking COVID-19 and dental care analyzed the financial burden of dental care, the impact on dental professionals and their practice, and the mental health of dental students [37][38][39].…”

“…In addition to fear of infection, economic deterioration or unemployment can also contribute to neglect of oral health, along with the negative impact the pandemic has on the mental health of individuals [25][26][27]. No matter the reason, postponing or avoiding dental care and neglecting oral hygiene can have medical consequences, which are becoming a new reason for concern among people and a challenge for their dentists [28]. The consequences of delayed dental care can be expected in those who avoided care only in one part of the pandemic, while those consequences among individuals who still avoid going to the dentist can be severe [5].…”

The impact of covid-19 on a patient with a severely compromised permanent maxillary central incisor.

“…In the emergency care the most important was to reduce pain and protect the patient, and this in turn influenced the attitude towards dental services. The most important in this period was to encourage the public to reduce social contacts and avoid leaving home for unnecessary reasons [8].…”

“…However, dental conditions must not be neglected given the fact that their prevalence has increased and influences general health, the psychological state of the individual, therefore the quality of life and wellbeing of the patient. [7][8][9][10].…”