Modifications in Orthodontic Practice Post COVID Lockdown in Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of positive changes in orthodontic practice in Pakistani governmental and private workplaces after lifting of COVID-19 lockdown. METHODOLOGY: This cross sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out on 143 Pakistani orthodontic practitioners for the duration of 3 months. A well-constructed, computerized closed ended questionnaire was designed at an online website i.e., google drive and the link was circulated through social media and e-mail. Change in dental practice was assessed by comparing the results with CDC guidelines, keeping positive response cutoff 70%. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 22, Confounders, like educational qualification, gender and workplace were controlled through stratification. Post stratification Chi square Test was applied to assess the association of dentist's response with gender, educational level, age and workplace, keeping P value < 0.05. RESULTS: There were total 143 participants (80 female and 63 male) with age range from 23 to 56 years, with a mean age of 31.24 ± 6.82 years. Majority of the participants (75.52%) belonged to the age range of 23-33 years. Most of the orthodontists were post graduate trainees (66.4%). Out of all these participants, 67 were working at orthodontic OPD, 22 at private practice and 51 worked at both. 68.5% Implementation of positive modifications in dental practice were recorded. The chi square test results were significant (P <.05) for education and workplace of orthodontist. CONCLUSION: Most orthodontists have positively modified their dental practice post COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan, by following WHO and CDC guidelines for Covid-19 to curtail spread of infection. KEYWORDS: Changes, Orthodontics, COVID