Evolution of Dentistry with COVID-19 – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to determine the effect of clinical practices with emergence of COVID-19 and its impact on socio economic status.

Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among dental surgeons practicing in public and private sectors of Karachi including clinical and academic institutions for a period of one month in August 2020.  

Methodology: Dental surgeons practicing in the public and private sector completed the detailed questionnaire, which was shared online, regarding SOPs followed in a dental clinic before and during COVID-19.

Results: The online questionnaire was filled by only thirty-three dental surgeons, mostly females aged between 20-30 years and having 1-5 years of experience. Only 51.5% of dentists were providing emergency treatment to patients with severe pain and infection. Of the total, 81.8% participants agreed that the spread of this virus has affected many lives as well as the way of operating routine practices. It was deduced from the results of the study that about 42.4% of dentists think it’s difficult to educate people and make them understand the importance of being responsible.

Conclusion: We can conclude that COVID-19 has affected the patient’s flow and management and patient education has become more important now than ever before.