Abstract
BackgroundCOVID-19 has impacted the care of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. We aimed to provide an overall view of patients’ perspectives, concerns, and expectations towards their treatment throughout the clinic lockdown during the pandemic; and to assess patients’ levels of mental distress and its association with their confidence in resuming care.MethodsAn anonymous, validated, in-person paper questionnaire was distributed to adult orthodontic patients’ post-lockdown at an academic institution. The survey focused on the clinical aspects and patients’ perspectives regarding orthodontic treatment during the pandemic. The Kessler Mental Distress Scale (K10) was used to evaluate their psychological status. Survey responses were descriptively summarized and confidence in resuming care was compared between normal patients and patients with mental distress using Mann-Whitney tests.ResultsOne hundred fifty-four patients were surveyed from July to October 2020. Mean age of the participants was 29.30 (SD = 12.01) years and 62% were females. Emergencies during the closure (21%, 32/154) involved primarily irritation with protruding wires. Patients were neutral regarding tele-dentistry and preferred their current fixed appliances over clear aligners. Upon resuming care, 80.51% were extremely pleased with the restrictive protocols and with high level of confidence in resuming treatment. The average level of anxiety was low, and a modest association was found between mental distress and reduced confidence in resuming treatment.ConclusionsFew numbers of minor emergencies occurred during the clinic closure. Despite the rising interest in tele-dentistry, patients were neutral on considering this option to monitor treatment and were content with fixed appliances. Patients had high confidence levels to resume their care based on the protocols established upon reopening. The association of mental distress and confidence in resuming care is suggestive and needs further investigation.
Highlights
COVID-19 has impacted the care of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of our society
The Cronbach alpha for the 10 items in the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was 0.94 considered excellent, with the mean total score of 13.16 (SD = 6.63, range: 5–50, Table 6)
Summary
COVID-19 has impacted the care of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classified dentistry as a “very high risk” profession [3]. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classified dentistry as a “very high risk” profession [3] This was due to the nature of the virus and its infectious route which could spread through airborne droplets in the form of aerosols. This disclosed certain potential hazards underlying conventional and standard oral health care procedures [1]; guidelines and safety protocols for dental practices in the COVID-19 era were established [4].
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