Pediatric Dentists in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic; the Challenges and Burden

Abstract

Background: World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a public health emergency and a pandemic; this comes with recommendations for restriction of dental work. Aim: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and clinical practices of pediatric dentists regarding COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and evaluate the psychological burden on the dentists and children. Design: The study population is pediatric dentists recruited through five pediatric dentists Facebook groups. Web-based questionnaire was created using Google forms, structured of multiple-choice questionnaire, and divided into: (demographic, knowledge, practices, and behavior management techniques) sections. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe items included in the survey. Numbers and percentages were used to describe categorical data. Results: 202 responses were included in analysis. 77% described their knowledge as very good or good. Most infection control practices were followed by the majority 55.3-96.5%. 85.1% feel anxious regarding their own safety. There was no clear difference between children attitudes and behaviors in clinic. Conclusions: Pediatric dentists’ knowledge and practices regarding the pandemic are adequate, however; continuous updating is essential in this dynamic situation. Organizations should show support to ease economic burden and facilitate access to protective equipment. The stressful situation is affecting parents more than children.