A Qualitative Research on the Experiences of Dentists Working in the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the working conditions, income and social security levels, work accident or occupational disease and working motivation of dentists during the Covid-19 Pandemic. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with 21 dentists working in Istanbul during the Pandemic, using semi-structured interview technique. 38% of the participants say that they work compulsorily during the pandemic process, and 33.3% say that their motivation to work is to earn income. According to 66.6% of the participants, the most difficult part of working during the pandemic is wearing a mask and visor. 71.5% of the participants have mental problems due to the anxiety of infecting their relatives. 38% of the participants state that they are ostracized by their friends or relatives because of the risk of infecting others. 19% of the participants were exposed to discrimination by their managers because they took unpaid leave during the Covid-19 Pandemic.