IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE DURING FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD WAVE AMONG A GROUP OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTS: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University

Abstract

Aim: To assess impact of COVID-19 on pediatric dental practice during first, second and third
wave among a group of pediatric dentists.
Methodology: This study is based on a closed- ended questionnaire that directed to pediatric dentists who work in Egypt. The survey included questions that evaluate Pediatric Dentists’ financial status and their attitude regarding pediatric dental care during first, second and third wave of pandemic COVID-19.
Results: Overall, 345 pediatric dentists contributed to this study. More than two thirds of participants (n=274, 79.4%) changed their working time and dental practice. Regarding income; more than three quarters of participants (n=284, 82.3%) suffered decreased income, two thirds (n=230, 66.7%) have encountered financial problems. However; nearly one quarter of participants (n=93, 27%) had another source of income for daily expenditure.
Conclusions: COVID-19 has a major impact on the practice of paediatric dentistry. Egyptian pediatric dentists preferred to lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments until the end of the pandemic. So, approximately three quarters of participants faced a decrease in income and also encounter financial problems.

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