Orthodontic treatment pause during COVID-19 outbreak: Are we overlooking potential harms to our patients and their treatment outcomes?

Abstract

Introduction: The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led all dental governing bodies across the world to minimize or cancel routine/elective dental procedures and limit dental services to only acute emergency situations. Orthodontic treatment is a long-term treatment that necessitates several appointments. However, if patients are left unsupervised during this pandemic, serious harms might arise apart from acute orthodontic emergencies. Objective: In this article we highlight these harms and their negative impact on patients and the overall success of their treatment. Conclusion: We briefly presented actions needed to be undertaken by orthodontists to gradually allow for recalling patients according to the stage of their treatment to avoid any potential harms to the treatment outcome and avoid any subsequent medicolegal consequences.

Associations between new health conditions and healthcare service utilizations among older adults in the United Kingdom: effects of COVID-19 risks, worse financial situation, and lowered income

“…Multiple studies identify the healthcare and emotional needs [ 32 ], use of new technology for social connectedness [ 33 ], accessibility and utilisation of telehealth [ 34 ] among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical studies have reported self-cancelled appointments [ 35 ], health-check cancellation [ 36 ], cancelled surgeries [ 37 ], canceled appointments [ 38 ], treatment pause [ 39 ], therapy postponements [ 40 , 41 ], fertility treatment cancellation [ 42 ] due to COVID-19 pandemic. Delay in fertility treatment [ 43 ], fertility treatment suspensions [ 44 ], and cancelled appointments [ 45 ] were also reported during COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Global survey to assess preferences for attending virtual orthodontic learning sessions: Pre-webinar settings

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our society, including countermeasures such as lockdowns, travel bans, social distancing, work-from-home, institution closure and postponement of courses and conferences. Dental education, clinical teaching, traditional CPD activities, as well as the provision of orthodontic treatment were worst affected by this pandemic in our profession (Abed Al Jawad and Alhashimi, 2021; Almuzian, 2020; Shhabat et al, 2022). To fill the vacuum created by the cessation of conferences and meetings, and to improve the CPD of orthodontic professionals, a paradigm shift from face-to-face scientific sessions to E-learning occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”