Abstract
BackgroundCases of COVID-19 first emerged in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly worldwide, with daily increases in the numbers of infections and deaths. COVID-19 spreads via airborne transmission, which renders dental treatment a potential source of virus transmission. Dental treatments require the use of handpieces, ultrasonic devices, or air–water syringes, which generate considerable amounts of aerosols. Jordan, being one of the affected countries, instituted preventive lockdown measures on March 17, 2020. Emergency dental treatments were only allowed in dental clinics of the Royal Medical Services of Jordan Armed Forces and Ministry of Health, and were prohibited in other sectors such as private clinics and universities.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the dental treatments performed in three military hospitals during the 44-day lockdown period in Jordan. The investigation explores the impact of COVID-19 on the number of patients and types of performed dental treatments.MethodsData such as number of patients, patients’ age and gender, and performed dental treatments were collected retrospectively from the hospital records and were analyzed.ResultsOur results showed a 90% (17,591 to 1689) decrease in patient visits during the lockdown period compared to regular days. The total number of treatments (n=1689) during the lockdown period varied between endodontic cases (n=877, 51.9%), extraction and other surgical cases (n=374, 22.1%), restorative cases (n=142, 8.4%), orthodontic treatments (n=4, 0.2%), and other procedures (n=292, 17.3%). The differences in gender and age group among all clinics were statistically significant (P<.001 and P=.02, respectively).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the number of patients seeking dental treatments. It also affected the types of treatments performed. Endodontic treatment accounted for almost 50% of patient load during the lockdown compared to approximately 20% during regular days.
Highlights
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020
Our results showed a 90% (17,591 to 1689) decrease in patient visits during the lockdown period compared to regular days
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the number of patients seeking dental treatments
Summary
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020. The symptoms worsen to cause respiratory failure. It can affect other organs, leading to multi-organ failure caused by acute myocardial injury, renal failure, liver injury, or sepsis [3]. Cases of COVID-19 first emerged in December 2019. The virus has spread rapidly worldwide, with daily increases in the numbers of infections and deaths. COVID-19 spreads via airborne transmission, which renders dental treatment a potential source of virus transmission. Emergency dental treatments were only allowed in dental clinics of the Royal Medical Services of Jordan Armed Forces and Ministry of Health, and were prohibited in other sectors such as private clinics and universities
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