Endodontic treatment during COVID-19 pandemic

Eduarda Carrera Malhão,Cláudio Maniglia Ferreira,Fabio De Almeida Gomes,Danilo Lopes Ferreira Lima,Maísa Casarin,Fernanda Geraldo Pappen

doi:10.20396/bjos.v20i00.8663555

Eduarda Carrera Malhão, Cláudio Maniglia Ferreira + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.20396/bjos.v20i00.8663555

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Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated, by the application of questionnaires, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical routine and inspection by the competent authorities, on the flow of patients in the office, as well as on possible changes in Endodontic treatment costs and the amounts charged to patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2nd, 2020 to May 6th, 2020, using an online questionnaire with a convenience sample. The inclusion criterion was professionals who perform endodontic treatments in daily clinical practice and who professional setting is private practice. The questionnaire brought questions about the impact on costs and the amount charged to the patient. Results: A total of 1042 questionnaires were answered from all the different states of Brazil, by professional who usually perform Endodontic treatment, and who is working in private practice. A total of 1010 (96.9%) respondents affirm it was necessary to modify the protective equipment in endodontic treatment due to pandemic and longer intervals between appointments was cited by 922 (88.5%), economically affecting the dental practice. There was no association between routine changes and economic impacts with gender, professional experience, area of residence or education level. Conclusion: In conclusion, most dental professionals recognized changes in the routine of endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have a perception of increase in endodontic costs, and reduction in the volume of patients.

Highlights

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID19 as a pandemic due to the severity of the disease and the global spread
It was not possible to calculate the number of professionals reached by the social media platforms, as well as the number of dentists in Brazil who perform endodontic treatment; all individuals who perform root canal treatment as a routine and agreed to participate were included in the research
A total of 1042 questionnaires were answered from all different Brazilian states, by professionals who usually perform endodontic treatment and are working in private practice

Summary

Introduction

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID19 as a pandemic due to the severity of the disease and the global spread. A pandemic is a health problem; it is an economic, social and political issue[1]. The physical distance measures needed to prevent the virus proliferation have unleashed the most severe global recession on record since the Great Depression, since people have been recommended to stay at home whenever possible, which damages the economy as a whole[2]. With regard to dental services, this economic crisis can significantly affect both demand and supply. Patients may face financial problems resulting from economic crisis, with a decrease in the financial resources available for spending on dental services. The pandemic can affect the availability of labor and the supply of materials[4]

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