FUNCTIONING OF PRIVATE DENTAL ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The epidemic with SARS CoV-2, known as the acronym COVID - 19, had and still has a lot of impact on the entire health system, i.e., reanimation of the health system and return to a "new normal", starting at the end of 2019. The special impact of this pandemic has been reflected in the work in dental practice. Addressing emergencies and providing emergency dental care were a priority and standard during severe quarantine measures during the pandemic. This topic aims at transversal research of the cross-section of the functioning of dental practice in the private dental sector, which is the leading in the field of treatment of oral health diseases in our country because according to official data in private dental practice, 92% of procedures are performed during the state of emergency and inability to work normally caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted during the period when most health institutions exited the COVID system from February 23 to March 30, 2022. A 22-question authored survey was sent to dentists across Serbia. The number of dentists who participated was 176. Considering the high risk, most emergency interventions were not carried out, while the economic consequences are minimal and insensitive in most clinics.