Impact of COVID-19 Quarantine on Utilization of Dental Treatment

Abstract

Background: Coronaviruses diseases-19 (COVID-19) has become pandemic throughout the world, which is highly transmissible. Because of close physical contact with patients, dental professionals are at particularly high risk of being infected with COVID-19. As a result, the dental services were limited to the emergency and urgent cases during the early days of the pandemic. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on utilization of dental treatment. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the outpatients within the age-group of 16–65 years in Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts. Patients who were undergoing dental treatment before lockdown and those who experienced emergency problems during COVID-19 pandemic were included in this study. A questionnaire with 24 questions assessing the level of anxiety and their concern about the impact of quarantine on dental care was obtained. Results: The results revealed that during quarantine 33.5% of people suffered from pain and 30% experienced sensitivity. On attending dental appointment, 43% of patients were concerned about the risk of contaminating their family, 30% are not concerned about COVID-19. Conclusion: Ongoing dental treatment and dental emergencies were major factors leading patients to be more willing to attend dental appointments during quarantine. Dental procedures involving aerosols should be avoided during COVID-19; in addition, some precautionary measures should be implemented during this period.