Impact on Dental Economics and Dental Healthcare Utilization in COVID-19: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Aim: The current exploratory research establishes a correlation between the general unemployment rate due to COVID-19 and its effect on dental healthcare service utilization, workforce, and education attainments. Materials and methods: The conceptual model utilized in the study is the circular flow diagram explaining economy organization. The study is an exploratory research review. PRISMA guidelines are followed for the review of articles. The literature data for the current review study is obtained from Web of Science, Statista, Grey Literature like, the Federal Bank St. Louis, American Dental Association (ADA), Health Policy Institute, to justify the economic impact in the dental industry sector. The search terms employed to search for literature from the Web of Science database are “Dental” and “COVID-19.” Only research articles published in the past one year in English language are included as the final sample of literature review. Statista, Federal Bank, and ADA are utilized to take into consideration evolving economic impact data due to COVID-19. Results: Much less of research has been performed on the impact of COVID-19 on dental economics, and this study is one of the insights of projections about COVID-19 impact in the dental healthcare sector. The projected hardships of the economy during and post pandemic demand for timely measures in place. The dental regulating bodies must undertake those protocols to save the dental healthcare industry. Conclusions: Unlike other healthcare sectors, the impact of COVID-19 will disproportionately affect the dental healthcare sector for several reasons. Given dental healthcare services aid in generating nation’s revenue like any other sector, it demands urgent actions from regulating authorities.