Impact of COVID-19 on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists toward Teledentistry

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new scenario for dental practice, and teledentistry (TD) is a field of relevance for dentists. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the knowledge, practices, and expectations of dentists toward TD and its association with sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to dentists in Colombia as part of global research on the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry. The core questionnaire included 5 additional questions on TD that were added by the Colombian research team in 5 domains about TD: Q1, knowledge; Q2, practices; Q3, expectations; Q4, usefulness; and Q5, reimbursement. Sociodemographic variables were also measured. The questionnaire was validated in a pilot test and administered via digital media. Descriptive and bivariate analysis for sociodemographic and TD variables were done. For the evaluation of the chances of a determined answer, an ordinal multinomial logistic regression (Q1 and Q2) and binomial logistic regression (Q3 and Q5) analyses were made. Results: In total, 5,370 dentists answered the survey (women: 3,878; mean age: 45 y). The response rate of the survey was 16.84%. Knowledge and practice of TD before the COVID-19 pandemic were both low (25.75% and 12.42%, respectively); however, since the beginning of the current pandemic, knowledge increased by 62.72% and practice by 42.53%. Some 93.1% of respondents considered that TD could be useful in their clinical practice, and 59.55% would consider practicing it after the pandemic. A high number of dentists (88.58%) did not charge for these services. Logistic regressions showed significant differences according to sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on TD, increasing knowledge and practice significantly. Dentists expect to continue practicing TD in the future. However, some geographical, technological, and attitudinal barriers need to be broken down to increase daily use of TD. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This article provides an overview about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the knowledge and attitudes about teledentistry (TD) in general dentists and both clinical and nonclinical specialists. Although some barriers to the use of TD continue, this pandemic brought with it a new scenario for dental practice, which must be implemented through training for professionals to increase its use.

“We will have to learn to live with it”: Australian dentists’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It may include the provision of oral health or treatment information and referral.” [ 40 ]. However, studies have reported that dentists would consider teledentistry to be useful for their clinical practice and reduce the need for unnecessary face-to-face consultations [ 41 , 42 ]. Another study of Brazilian dentists found that their general knowledge of teledentistry and confidence is using the method to be lacking and would benefit from telehealth training and education if remote dental consultations were to be utilised more frequently [ 43 ].…”

La teleodontología como alternativa de atención durante la pandemia por COVID-19

“…Un estudio realizado sobre los conocimientos y actitudes de los odontólogos hacia la teleodontología indicó que el conocimiento y la práctica de la teleodontología antes de la pandemia del COVID-19 era bajo (25,75% y 12,42% respectivamente), sin embargo, desde el inicio de la pandemia se aumentó el conocimiento y la práctica sobre la teleodontología (62,72% y 42,53% respectivamente), el 59,55% de los odontólogos podrían considerar practicarla después de la pandemia 23 . Otro estudio comparó los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas entre odontólogos generales, estudiantes de posgrado de odontología, docentes de odontología y consultores con grado de posgrado.…”

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Teledentistry among Dental Practitioners during COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Many nations have implemented quarantine and mitigation measures to halt the disease's transmission. Most ordinary non-emergency healthcare was briefly suspended due to the pandemic's lockdown, restricting individuals' contact and access to healthcare concerns, including dental treatment [2,3]. Neglecting oral health issues might result in future dental problems, patient emotional suffering, or even impair their overall quality of life.…”

“…Neglecting oral health issues might result in future dental problems, patient emotional suffering, or even impair their overall quality of life. Dental practitioners are considered high-risk professionals as they are constantly exposed to infections transferred by saliva, blood, or fluid from the nasopharyngeal area due to the nature of dental treatments and close interaction with patients [3,4]. As a result, teledentistry has the potential to give an innovative alternative for continuing dental practice during the pandemic and beyond [2].…”

“…Understanding how dentists perceived teledentistry as an alternative tool during the pandemic crisis and how teledentistry may affect future dental professionals' practice are of paramount importance. Although various surveys on dental practitioners' perceptions of the employment of teledentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted [3,4,7,8], there has yet to be a systematic evaluation and analysis of dental practitioners' awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practice towards teledentistry. Hence, it is imperative to delve deeper into this context and allow further stakeholders to develop a comprehensive approach for the effective and long-term use of telecommunications for dental care during or even after the pandemic.…”