Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to dental benefits for children – a questionnaire parent’s study

Abstract

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused difficulties in the functioning of healthcare. Dental procedures performed in the oral cavity and generating a potentially infectious aerosol were considered to be particularly risky in terms of spreading infection. This has resulted in significant reductions in the work of dental offices during the pandemic. Aim. Getting to know the opinions of parents regarding the dental treatment of children during the pandemic, considerate the availability of dental offices, their epidemic protection and concerns about infection during the visit. Material and methods. A survey study was conducted among 146 parents of children visiting the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Preclinical Dentistry of the Medical University in Wroclaw. Results. 45% of respondents assessed the availability of dental services at level similar to that before the pandemic, 51% experienced difficulties (21% – need to postpone the appointment, 18% – help only in emergency cases, 8% – no possibility of treatment, 3% – only continuation of treatment, 1% – teleconsultation only). Securing office against the transmission of infection was considered sufficient by 88% of the respondents. Concerns about the infection of the child during visit were reported by 35% of the respondents. 19% of parents felt that difficulties in accessing treatment had negative impact on their children’s oral health. Conclusions. Procedures should be developed to minimize the risk of infection in dental facilities during an epidemy, while maintaining optimal access to treatment.