How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Effect Dental Patients? An Italian Observational Survey Study

Abstract

The primary aim of this observational survey study was to assess patients’ attitudes toward clinical dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic; the secondary aim was to evaluate patients’ attitudes towards oral health by maintaining an appropriate lifestyle and oral hygiene at home. The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part A—geographic, demographic, and personal data; Part B—patients’ attitude toward oral health selfcare and lifestyle; Part C—patients’ attitude toward dental practice. This survey, conducted during the months of November and December 2020, enrolled 1135 subjects throughout Italy. All data were statistically analyzed. COVID-19 has changed patients’ approach to dental procedures. Most of the people interviewed lived in families, and their greatest fear was infecting a family member. Restrictive measures forced people to stay at home, which led to an increased consumption of various types of food, including cariogenic foods. People said they felt safe when they went to the dentist, but they also paid special attention to measures to prevent contagion. Among the measures that should be introduced in similar situations in the future, people wanted telemedicine, a phone recall, and the possible use of video clips for home oral care instructions.

The Effects of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic on Dental Patients' Attitudes and Oral Health Problems in Thailand

“…At that time, almost every participant received at least two vaccinations during the interview and dental professionals were already given at least three doses of vaccination. The result is consistent with that of Nardi et al, 38 who pointed out that patients were comfortable to visit the dental clinic that had the COVID-19 prevention protocols in place.…”

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 in the Setting of Dentistry: A Review Article

“…Twenty-four studies focused on patients receiving general dental treatment [ 76 , 90 , 95 , 98 , 100 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 117 , 119 , 120 , 123 , 124 , 126 , 129 , 130 , 132 , 133 , 134 ], ten on patients under orthodontic treatment [ 96 , 102 , 104 , 105 , 116 , 118 , 125 , 128 , 136 , 137 ], six on pediatric patients [ 97 , 99 , 101 , 103 , 107 , 122 ], two on patients with temporomandibular disorders [ 106 , 135 ], one on patients under endodontic treatment [ 121 ], one on prosthodontic patients [ 131 ], and one on patients undergoing oral surgery [ 127 ].…”

“…Many patients perceived the dental office as an unsafe environment and expressed high levels of fear about possible infection in the waiting room or during treatment [ 95 , 104 , 111 , 115 , 133 ]. As with all diseases, a delay in dental treatment can have negative health consequences [ 150 , 151 ], and the increased consumption of sugar observed during the pandemic [ 119 , 130 ] would further contribute to a worsening of oral and general health. In this regard, it has been suggested that the presence of periodontal disease in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 may be related to higher complication and mortality rates [ 152 ].…”

Survey Study among Dentist in Bulgaria to Develop a Model for Risk Management in Dental Practice

“…The development of a risk management system in respect to dental practice requires also the working up of rules for dealing with medical emergencies, safety of the used and prescribed medication, and coping with pain [ 16 ]. The Bulgarian legislator has given the definition of emergency [ 17 ] and dental practices, as outpatient hospitals are obliged to provide the possible volume of medical activities to maintain the patient's vital functions until the arrival of an emergency medical team.…”