Patient Perceptions about Professional Dental Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Dental professionals are at high risk of being infected by and transmitting COVID-19 to patients. Patients’ perceived risk for infection and attitudes about receiving dental care during the pandemic are important to understand as patients consider returning to routine dental care as the pandemic progresses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore dental patients’ perceptions of susceptibility to contracting COVID-19, their related attitudes and beliefs regarding dental care visits, and their considerations for returning to routine care during and after the pandemic. Method: Data for this cross-sectional study came from an electronic survey of 464 US adults. Survey variables include demographics, dental hygiene behaviors, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, attitudes and beliefs regarding risk for attending dental appointments, and the necessary conditions and events for them to feel comfortable returning to regular dental appointments. Results: Over half of study participants had a 4-y degree, an annual income of at least $50,000, and good oral hygiene practices of frequent brushing and routine dental visits. Older age and agreement with positive attitudinal statements and beliefs about professional dental care were positively related to perceived susceptibility for contracting COVID-19 in a dental setting. Perceptions of susceptibility, a higher valuation of dentistry, and agreement that COVID-19 is a serious infection were each positively related to attitudinal statements and beliefs reflecting caution in attending dental visits. Last, assurance from public health officials confirming the safety to return for routine dental care was the largest reported factor necessary for a return to routine dental visits. Conclusion: This study provides early data about patient perceptions of susceptibility and attitudes toward COVID-19 in a professional dental setting and necessary conditions for returning to regular visits. This information can help formulate messaging related to returning to professional dental care, specifically targeting fears among the most susceptible populations. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Government and public health agencies can play an important role in alleviating concerns and instilling confidence that dental settings are safe. With this information from the public, dental professionals and public health agencies can work together to share messaging that will consistently inform the public regarding the safety of returning to professional dental care as it relates to the reopening of states and cities.

Investigation of the patients’ perception on dental treatment and their anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic process

“…On the other hand, the number of those who thought that other patients can transmit COVID-19 in the waiting area was more than those who thought otherwise. Similar to these results, Moffat et al reported that the greatest risk related to dental care in terms of COVID-19 was to contract the disease from other patients in the dental office (22). These data indicate that the precautions taken by dentists while treating patients instill confidence in patients.…”

Delivery of Health Care by Spanish Dental Hygienists in Private and Public Dental Services during the COVID-19 De-Escalation Phase (June 2020): A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The reintroduction of scheduled activity in dental clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the de-escalation phase should prioritise the safety of patients and professionals at the different stages of the care process, from patient selection and preparation to home care and clinical circuit organisation [37]. Among the preventive measures adopted by patients, the results of this study on Spanish dental hygienists coincide with the measures assessed in other previous studies (e.g., [25]), such as hand washing with hydroalcoholic gels, mouthwash rinsing prior to treatment, or spacing of appointments to avoid saturation in waiting rooms [27].…”

“…According to the data presented from the Spanish hygienists survey, appointment time management is the main measure taken in the oral health units of the public health service. According to Moffat et al in their study on the identification of patients' perceptions of risk susceptibility and attitudes towards COVID-19 [37], professionals and public institutions should adopt additional information measures aimed at patients to address the conditions, events, and fears that influence the delay of their visits or the low demand for dental care in this context, in order to ensure the safe reopening of clinics and to regain patient confidence [38,39].…”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Dentists

“…Peloso et al [52] recommended that dentists should use technology for patient counseling about appointments and treatment to decrease their anxiety. Finally, it is necessary to share consistent information about biosafety protocols during dental care to reduce fear and anxiety in patients [56].…”

“…• Concerning patients, an important aspect is to inform them about the safety of dental office visits. Communication about biosafety is a crucial aspect of reducing fear and anxiety in patients [56]. It is also essential to minimize care time and reduce the intervals between patient appointments [19].…”