The perceived impact of Covid-19 on periodontal practice in the United Kingdom: A questionnaire study

A Survey Among General Practitioners and Periodontal Specialists in Norway Documenting a Positive Attitude Towards Guideline-Based Referral Practise

AIM

The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the attitude among general practitioners (GPs) and periodontal specialists (PSs) in Norway towards developing and implementing guideline-based periodontal referral practise.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed online to a sample of professionally active GPs and PSs. The survey included questions on demographics, practise profile, proficiency and insight among oral healthcare providers, periodontal referral patterns, and attitude on establishing guideline-based referral practise. Logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate associations between dependent and selected independent variables. Inverse probability weights (IPW) were applied to adjust for non-response in the logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Analyses were based on answers from 353 GPs and 49 PSs. The majority of GPs (77.9%) considered periodontal referral guidelines as a useful tool if they were available, and 59.2% of PSs expressed a positive attitude for implementing guideline-based referral practise to prevent premature or delayed referrals. In total, 93.9% of PSs reported that patients with periodontitis were being referred from GPs too late either frequently or sometimes. Females tended to be more interested in utilising referral guidelines than males (odds ratio, OR = 2.89, p < 0.001). Older GPs and those with increasing years of practising, were less interested in using referral guidelines than younger and more inexperienced GPs (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings document a positive attitude and significant need for developing and implementing periodontal referral guidelines among GPs and PSs, ensuring timely identification and referral of patients with periodontitis.

The Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Other Emerging Infections on Dentistry

The appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other emerging infections has significantly impacted the field of dentistry, leading to widespread changes in practices and protocols. This has included the implementation of strict infection control measures, such as meticulous use of personal protective equipment, minimizing aerosol-generating procedures, and the adoption of teledentistry to reduce in-person contact. To date, the complete impact of delays in dental care caused by lockdowns has yet to be determined. The challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic have propelled innovation, shaping a new era of dentistry focused on safety against novel and re-emerging infections.

Is the effect of COVID-19 on periodontal treatment similar to that in general dental care and primary medical care? an observational study in Brazil

The present study aimed to analyze the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of periodontal procedures, and provide a comparison with general dental care and primary medical care procedures carried out in the Brazilian Public Health System. The study had an ecological, retrospective design with data from 5,564 Brazilian municipalities (99.9%). A multilevel mixed-effects linear regression was used to analyze the longitudinal associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and the rate of procedures. There was a significant reduction in the number of periodontal procedures (Coef. -428.6 [95%CI -774.3/-82.9]) during the COVID-19 pandemic, although this reduction was no greater than that of medical and general dental procedures. Medical procedures witnessed the sharpest drop in procedures (Coef. -2831.5 [95%CI -3964.1/-1699.0]). A lower rate of general dental procedures was also identified during the pandemic (Coef. -2,110.6 [95%CI -3,400.8/-820.4]). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the rate of periodontal procedures carried out in the Brazilian Public Health System. The highest recutions were observed in general dental and medical procedures.

Clinical efficacy of hand and power-driven instruments for subgingival instrumentation during periodontal surgical therapy: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to assess the available literature on the clinical efficacy of hand versus power-driven instruments for subgingival instrumentation during surgical periodontal therapy (ST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the literature was carried out on MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database, LILACS, and Scopus. RCTs comparing the use of powered instruments (test) to hand scalers (control) for subgingival instrumentation in terms of changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) after surgical periodontal treatment were included and screened in duplicate. Descriptive synthesis of the data and risk of bias assessment were undertaken.

RESULTS

Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. ST in all studies was performed by means of open flap debridement. Gracey curettes were the most commonly used hand instruments, while sonic and ultrasonic devices were used in the test group. Sites with initial PPD ≥ 6 mm had pocket reduction ranging from 2.93 to 4.89 mm in the control group and from 2.77 to 3.86 mm in the test group. All studies found no significant difference between the different types of instruments/devices in terms of PPD reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited number of studies, both manual and power-driven instruments appear to be effective in reducing PPD after surgical treatment of periodontitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Based on the findings of this systematic review, the clinician may make a decision whether to use manual or powered instruments during ST on a case-by-case basis and considering other factors, such as the risk of creating high concentrations of aerosols.

Capability, Opportunity, Motivation leads to adherence behaviour in people with asthma: protocol for a cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a common lung condition that cannot be cured, but it can usually be effectively managed using available treatments. Despite this, it is widely acknowledged that 70% of patients do not adhere to their asthma treatment. Personalizing treatment by providing the most appropriate interventions based on the patient's psychological or behavioral needs produces successful behavior change. However, health care providers have limited available resources to deliver a patient-centered approach for their psychological or behavioral needs, resulting in a current one-size-fits-all strategy due to the nonfeasible nature of existing surveys. The solution would be to provide health care professionals with a clinically feasible questionnaire that identifies the patient's personal psychological and behavioral factors related to adherence.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to apply the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behavior change (COM-B) questionnaire to detect a patient's perceived psychological and behavioral barriers to adherence. Additionally, we aim to explore the key psychological and behavioral barriers indicated by the COM-B questionnaire and adherence to treatment in patients with confirmed asthma with heterogeneous severity. Exploratory objectives will include a focus on the associations between the COM-B questionnaire responses and asthma phenotype, including clinical, biological, psychosocial, and behavioral components.

METHODS

In a single visit, participants visiting Portsmouth Hospital's asthma clinic with a diagnosis of asthma will be asked to complete a 20-minute questionnaire on an iPad about their psychological and behavioral barriers following the theoretical domains framework and capability, opportunity, and motivation model. Participants' data are routinely collected, including demographics, asthma characteristics, asthma control, asthma quality of life, and medication regime, which will be recorded on an electronic data capture form.

RESULTS

The study is already underway, and it is anticipated that the results will be available by early 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The COM-B asthma study will investigate an easily accessible theory-based tool (a questionnaire) for identifying psychological and behavioral barriers in patients with asthma who are not adhering to their treatment. This will provide useful information on the behavioral barriers to asthma adherence and whether or not a questionnaire can be used to identify these needs. The highlighted barriers will improve health care professionals' knowledge of this important subject, and participants will benefit from the study by removing their barriers. Overall, this will enable health care professionals to use effective individualized interventions to support improved medication adherence while also recognizing and meeting the psychological needs of patients with asthma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05643924; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05643924.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/44710.

Post-Operative Bleeding Complications in a Periodontitis Patient Testing Positive for COVID-19

Recent scientific evidence states that a subset of COVID-19 patients may have a risk of increased bleeding tendency. This case report presents a healthy 38-year-old woman with generalized stage III, grade C periodontitis with an abnormal post-operative blood clot formation who tested positive for COVID-19 after a standard periodontal surgery. Previously, two periodontal surgeries proceeded without any complications and were considered standard. On day one after the third periodontal surgery the patient had no complaints. On day two the patient reported excess bleeding in the oral cavity from the operated area simultaneously with fever and loss of taste. On day three the patient was seen in our clinic; general malaise symptoms and bleeding tendency had started to decline and the patient received a COVID-19 PCR test. At day four the test resulted positive, and she reported no further complaints of intraoral bleeding. Six months later the taste of the patient was still distorted. For this patient with free medical anamnesis, we suggest that the patient had increased plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator during the crucial postoperative period due to an acute COVID-19 infection. This led to increased plasmin levels with a hyper-fibrinolytic state as a consequence.

Modeling the Behavioral Response of Dentists to COVID-19 and Assessing the Perceived Impacts of Pandemic on Operative Dentistry Practices in Pakistan

COVID-19 pandemic has affected dentistry in unprecedented ways. This study investigates the perceived effects of the pandemic on operative dentistry procedures and dentistry profession in Pakistan and the factors that determine the behavioral changes among dentists to adapt to the “new normal.” A Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behavioral model (COM-B) was utilized to investigate the factors that determine the behavior of dentists in Punjab, Pakistan to adhere to COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs). Using social media, an online questionnaire was sent to operative dentistry professionals in Pakistan, and 312 responses were received. 81.4% of the respondents believed that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the level of care provided to the patients, 66% were extremely worried about the risk of contagion during clinical practices, and more than 75% of the respondents opined that the pandemic has led to an increased emphasis on disinfection and oral hygiene instructions. The multiple regression model suggests that the behavior of Pakistani dentists to adhere to the COVID-19 SOPs is significantly affected by their Capabilities (β = 0.358) and Opportunities (β = 0.494). The study concluded that dentists in Punjab, Pakistan are concerned about the risk of contagion and report a serious concern about consequences such as financial loss and inappropriate care of patients. The current study results can feed the policymaking in Pakistan and other developing countries. Facilities and training to improve dentists' opportunities and capabilities can improve their ability to cope with the COVID-19 challenges.

Australian dentists' knowledge, preparedness, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a global health crisis. Close contact with the mucous membranes and respiratory secretions of patients and aerosol-generating procedures renders dentists and other oral health professionals at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We examined dentists' knowledge, preparedness, and experiences of managing COVID-19 in Australia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey of dentists with a current membership with The Australian Dental Association (ADA) was conducted between March and April 2021.

RESULTS

Of the 368 survey responses, most dentists (72.3%) reported having a good level of knowledge about COVID-19, with most visiting the ADA Federal COVID-19 (74.7%) and state/territory department of health websites (62.8%), respectively to source up-to-date information. Most dentists (87.6%) felt prepared to manage COVID-19 into the future, although 66% reported not receiving training or certification in the use of PPE. Over half (58.7%) reported not being concerned about contracting SARS-CoV-2 at work, with some (28.9%, n = 98/339) feeling more stressed than usual and having heavier workloads.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 had significant impact in oral healthcare in Australia. Dentistry has adapted to the varied challenges raised by the pandemic. Comprehensive training and detailed guidelines were fundamental for successful patient management during the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 presents an opportunity for dental teams to become ready for person-centred care

Two publications that recently appeared in the British Dental Journal mooted the position that dentistry may not be ready for person-centred care. This commentary takes up this discussion and agrees that while person-centred care is essential to dentistry, it is not without its challenges. Drawing on the multidisciplinary expertise of its authors (two sociologists, one psychologist and a dentist), the nature of these challenges is interrogated further. It also identifies opportunities for change on this position from within the literature, as well as by clinical practice. We present evidence to suggest that the current pandemic has shown that dental teams are capable of rising to a challenge and adapting to change. In this light, we propose that the pandemic presents dental teams with an opportunity to be even more person-centred.

How can biophotonics help dentistry to avoid or minimize cross infection by SARS-CoV-2?

Biophotonics is defined as the combination of biology and photonics (the physical science of the light). It is a general term for all techniques that deal with the interaction between biological tissues/cells and photons (light). Biophotonics offers a great variety of techniques that can facilitate the early detection of diseases and promote innovative theragnostic approaches. As the COVID-19 infection can be transmitted due to the face-to-face communication, droplets and aerosol inhalation and the exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids, as well as the handling of sharp instruments, dental practices are at increased risk of infection. In this paper, a literature review was performed to explore the application of Biophotonics approaches in Dentistry focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can contribute to avoid or minimize the risks of infection in a dental setting. For this, search-related papers were retrieved from PubMED, Scielo, Google Schoolar, and American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention databases. The body of evidence currently available showed that Biophotonics approaches can reduce microorganism load, decontaminate surfaces, air, tissues, and minimize the generation of aerosol and virus spreading by minimally invasive, time-saving, and alternative techniques in general. However, each clinical situation must be individually evaluated regarding the benefits and drawbacks of these approaches, but always pursuing less-invasive and less aerosol-generating procedures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emotional Health Status of Postgraduate Students of Periodontics in India During COVID Health Crisis-A Questionnaire-Based Study

Dental students, especially postgraduate students present a higher risk of getting infected because of their close contact with the patients during this pandemic. The objectives of the study include (a) the reasons for postgraduate students’ altered emotional status during coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. (b) To assess the kind of infection protocols adopted. (c) To assess the impacts of postgraduate students’ emotional status on treating patients with periodontal problems during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 2020 to December 2020. The emotional status of postgraduate students was assessed in 2 phases that are at the initial phase of COVID infection and lockdown and the second phase when the lockdown was prolonged. Questionnaires were distributed to the Postgraduate students of periodontics all over India to assess their level of awareness of COVID infection, type of infection control measures followed during the pandemic period, as well as the outpatient turnout during the lockdown period. Results of this study stated that more than 80% of students addressed the decline in the number of patients to surgical clinics, 76.3% of postgraduates were worried about themselves and their families due to the pandemic situation. Surprisingly, 74.3% of them even worried about losing their expertize or skills due to a long lockdown period. Dental postgraduates all over India are willing to treat their patients during the period of a pandemic but in strict compliance with infection control guidelines. This study assessed the emotional responses of the postgraduates during the pandemic through the questionnaire and concluded that all the professionals are ready to resume their clinical activities with adequate guidelines provided.

"We will have to learn to live with it": Australian dentists' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Australian dentists are among the frontline healthcare workers providing dental and oral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore have been affected in multiple ways. In this study, we explore their experiences of practising and living in this pandemic.

METHODS

A qualitative study analysed responses of 333 Australian dentists' who participated in a survey with open-ended questions about the challenges and positive outcomes of practising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions were embedded in a national online survey of Australian dentists' knowledge, preparedness and experiences conducted between March and April 2021. Data were analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Australian dentists reported their challenging experiences to be four-fold, including 'public health orders and restrictions', 'Infection prevention and control measures (IPC), 'Personal concerns about COVID-19' and 'Detracting opinions about COVID-19'. Conversely, they reported positive outcomes in relation to their practice during COVID-19, including 'Awareness of and adherence to IPC practices', 'Teamwork and interpersonal dynamics', 'Decompressed workload', 'Perceived support' and 'unintended positive outcomes'.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic generated several challenges for Australian dentists, but it also engendered some positive outcomes. Understanding of these can help tailor the professional support plans to address the needs and priorities of Australian dentists during the current and future pandemics.

Knowledge and Attitude of Polish Dental Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: This study analyzed Polish dentists’ knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main problems in their work during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods: Dentists responded to an online anonymous survey consisting of 57 questions relating to socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, and office procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, significance of dependencies and Chi square and Mann–Whitney tests; p < 0.05. Results: Ultimately, responses from 730 dentists were included. The mean age was 43.62 ± 11.57. Almost 3/4 of the respondents followed the information on COVID-19. A total of 95.5% had knowledge about COVID-19. Genetic testing was the basic test according to 69.2%. Further, 56.0% were concerned about the pandemic, and 23.6% were significantly anxious. In addition, 42.1% considered a risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace as very high. A total of 84.0% admitted patients performing a triage and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Further, 44.5% planned to become vaccinated. Continuing the work during the pandemic was strongly correlated with age, sector, and location and duration of work. Conclusions: Most Polish dentists follow the information on the COVID-19 protocol and have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Dentists are concerned and anxious about the situation. The vast majority admitted patients during the pandemic and use PPE. Only almost half plan to be vaccinated.

Clinical Experience, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Turkish Pediatric Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objectives: “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) is a critical public health problem that has affected all fields, including dentistry. The dental management of children has become even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of Turkish pediatric dentists who have been providing dental treatments to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: After receiving ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted using the Google Forms online survey instrument. An online questionnaire link was sent to all the members of the Turkish Society of Paediatric Dentistry by e-mail and through social media. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 200 pediatric dentists participated in this study and most of them (82%) only performed emergency dental treatments, whereas 18.5% performed both emergency and routine dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority (72.5%) of pediatric dentists prescribed antibiotics and analgesics to their patients who were not cooperative with non-pharmacological behavior management techniques. The findings of the current study showed that the Turkish pediatric dentists had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19, satisfactorily conducted most of the infection control measures before and after the dental treatments, and attached importance to the use of PPEs; however, infection control measures during the dental treatments could be implemented better. Conclusions: Along with all precautions, the vaccination of healthcare workers and requesting a recent test result from patients showing a lack of COVID-19 disease before dental appointments could be used as effective infection control measures. Additionally, pediatric dentists should continue to follow local and universal guidelines, and education programmes should be frequently implemented in order to keep their COVID-19 management strategies up to date.

Cohort profile: The UK COVID-19 Public Experiences (COPE) prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study of health and well-being during the SARSCoV2 coronavirus pandemic

Public perceptions of pandemic viral threats and government policies can influence adherence to containment, delay, and mitigation policies such as physical distancing, hygienic practices, use of physical barriers, uptake of testing, contact tracing, and vaccination programs. The UK COVID-19 Public Experiences (COPE) study aims to identify determinants of health behaviour using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation (COM-B) model using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach. Here, we provide a detailed description of the demographic and self-reported health characteristics of the COPE cohort at baseline assessment, an overview of data collected, and plans for follow-up of the cohort. The COPE baseline survey was completed by 11,113 UK adult residents (18+ years of age). Baseline data collection started on the 13th of March 2020 (10-days before the introduction of the first national COVID-19 lockdown in the UK) and finished on the 13th of April 2020. Participants were recruited via the HealthWise Wales (HWW) research registry and through social media snowballing and advertising (Facebook®, Twitter®, Instagram®). Participants were predominantly female (69%), over 50 years of age (68%), identified as white (98%), and were living with their partner (68%). A large proportion (67%) had a college/university level education, and half reported a pre-existing health condition (50%). Initial follow-up plans for the cohort included in-depth surveys at 3-months and 12-months after the first UK national lockdown to assess short and medium-term effects of the pandemic on health behaviour and subjective health and well-being. Additional consent will be sought from participants at follow-up for data linkage and surveys at 18 and 24-months after the initial UK national lockdown. A large non-random sample was recruited to the COPE cohort during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will enable longitudinal analysis of the determinants of health behaviour and changes in subjective health and well-being over the course of the pandemic.

Factors influencing job satisfaction among dentists during the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: A structural equation modeling approach

BACKGROUND

Dentistry is one of the highest risk occupations that face COVID-19, especially in countries that are severely affected by the pandemic, such as Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing job satisfaction among dentists during the new normal of COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia by utilizing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach.

METHODS

A total of 310 Indonesian dentists voluntary completed an online questionnaire, which contained 58 questions. Several latent variables such as perceived severity of COVID-19, staff cooperation and management commitment, personal protective equipment, job stress, working hours, income, and overall job satisfaction were analyzed simultaneously.

RESULTS

SEM revealed perceived severity of COVID-19 had significant effects on job stress (β:0.394, p = 0.025) and the utilization of personal protective equipment (β:0.757, p = 0.001). Subsequently, job stress (β:-0.286, p = 0.001), working hours (β:0.278, p = 0.018), income (β:0.273, p = 0.003), personal protective equipment (β:0.145, p = 0.038), and staff cooperation & management commitment (β:0.091, p = 0.002) were found to have significant effects on overall job satisfaction. In addition, management & staff cooperation was found to have a significant association with job stress reduction (β:-0.319, p = 0.003) which subsequently led to higher satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study is one of the first that analyzed job satisfaction among dentists in Indonesia during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The integrated latent variables can be applied and extended to evaluate job satisfaction among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in other countries. Finally, this study contributed as a theoretical foundation for policymakers to enhance the job satisfaction of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence-based Recommendations on Periodontal Practice and the Management of Periodontal Patients During and After the COVID-19 Era: Challenging Infectious Diseases Spread by Airborne Transmission

Background:

Periodontal care, which was completely suspended during the peak of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and was delayed and recurrently discontinued during the succeeding waves, must be safely provided in the COVID-19 era.

Objectives:

The study aimed to provide recommendations on periodontal practice, optimizing safety, ergonomics, and economic resources, and the management of periodontal patients, ensuring continuity, timing, and effectiveness of periodontal care in the COVID-19 era.

Methods:

Reported protocols for the dental practice in the context of the COVID-19 and current evidence on periodontitis treatment and prevention were reviewed.

Results:

Evidence-based recommendations on contamination control and ergonomic improvements for periodontal practice and the management of periodontal patients challenging COVID-19 and airborne infectious diseases have been provided.

Conclusion:

Due to the economic, ergonomic, and ethical concerns raised by limited periodontal care due to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, and awareness of other emerging airborne transmitted infections, the periodontal practice should integrate measures minimizing airborne cross-infections and optimizing time-space and economic resources. The management of periodontal patients in the COVID-19 era should comprise less complex treatments and more comprehensive and definitive approaches, reducing emergencies, session length and number, and, concurrently, extending the recall and maintenance intervals. Moreover, it should implement prevention strategies through teledentistry tools and apps, improving periodontal awareness and self-care, and also through the self-reporting of periodontitis and periodontal risk assessment tools, performing both “population-based” and “high-risk” surveillance of periodontitis. Finally, it should enhance inter-professional collaboration, through telehealth networks, especially targeting subjects at high-risk of both periodontitis and systemic disorders, each of the two variously linked to COVID-19 onset and worsening.

Patients' and dentists' perceptions of tele-dentistry at the time of COVID-19. A questionnaire-based study

Objectives

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on dentistry in unforeseen ways, including a substantial rise in the development and implementation of video consultations. The research aimed to investigate dentists’ and patients’ attitudes towards dental video consultations (tele-dentistry) and to identify potential ways to improve the experience.

Methods

A cross-sectional, pre-post design, online survey was carried out with patients’ and dentists’ before and after video consultations. A total of 249 participants accessed the survey and 228 of them consented to take part in the study and answered the online questions. Participants’ attitudes towards video consultations were assessed using a questionnaire constructed by a multidisciplinary team of periodontists and psychologists. The measure assessed the perceived efficacy of the video consultations on patients and the dental team. Video consultations were performed to risk assess, triage and manage remotely via a video link out at (deleted name of institution as double blinded peer review) via NHS England's Attend Anywhere platform.

Results

The majority of patients strongly agreed and were satisfied using tele-dentistry in the five domains which we explored: the ease, comprehensiveness and helpfulness of the video consultations and the anxiety and satisfaction levels of the patient. Dentists and students alike felt more confident and competent after having carried out a video consultation. The majority of clinicians found the tele-dentistry platform helpful and easy to perform. Just over 70% of patients strongly agreed that the video consultation ran smoothly and 75.7% strongly agreed that they were comfortable accessing the consultation from home rather than travelling in for the consultation. Just under 80% of patients stated that they would recommend the video consultation.

Conclusions

This study shows that tele-dentistry may be a valid option to help service providers and dental patients, as it seems to be well accepted by both patients and dentists. JM to typesetter.

Clinical significance

Patients’ and dentists’ perceptions of Tele-Dentistry at the time of COVID-19. A questionnaire-based study. To our knowledge this is one of the first studies evaluates perceptions of patients and clinicians before and after a tele-dentistry encounter in and across different dental departments. The majority of survey participants expressed positive views towards tele-dentistry across all domains including ease and comprehensiveness of the video consultation, perceived helpfulness and anxiety and satisfaction of the patient. Dentists appear to be competent and confident to carry out these video consultations and find them to be helpful and easy to complete. As a result, we suggest readers adopt tele-dentistry in their daily activities to help patients and clinicians alike.

The New Normalcy in Dentistry after the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Italian Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: After the first lockdown, Italian dentists resumed their practice while handling several challenges. Reducing contagion risk by complying with the stringent measures recommended by the Italian Ministry of Health for dental activity while also balancing patient needs was a difficult task. This work aims to understand the procedures that were adopted in the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (5 May–30 September 2020) and the dentists’ expectations and concerns about returning to normalcy. Methods: A national survey with 38 questions was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021 and comparisons were performed among the five main Italian geographic areas. Results: Located mainly in northwest Italy, 1028 dentists were included in the survey. About 83% of the Italian dentists fully restarted their activities after the lockdown. The resumption was significantly marked in North Italy and the Center than in the South (p < 0.01). Over 80% adopted the recommended precautional guidelines, modifying them according to the specific dental treatment executed. Fifty percent of dentists were confident in returning to normalcy after the COVID-19 crisis. Many precautions adopted during the pandemic will be continued, especially in South Italy and the Islands (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Italian dentists reported excellent autonomous organizational skills and the maintaining of high-quality precautions during the reopening phase.

Dental periodontal procedures: a systematic review of contamination (splatter, droplets and aerosol) in relation to COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and subsequent COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the delivery of routine dentistry; and in particular, periodontal care across the world. This systematic review examines the literature relating to splatter, droplet settle and aerosol for periodontal procedures and forms part of a wider body of research to understand the risk of contamination in relation to periodontal care procedures relevant to COVID-19.

METHODS

A search of the literature was carried out using key terms and MeSH words relating to the review questions. Sources included Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS, ClinicalTrials.Gov . Studies meeting inclusion criteria were screened in duplicate and data extraction was carried out using a template. All studies were assessed for methodological quality and sensitivity. Narrative synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS

Fifty studies were included in the review with procedures including ultrasonic scaling (n = 44), air polishing (n = 4), prophylaxis (n = 2) and hand scaling (n = 3). Outcomes included bacterial (colony-forming units e.g. on settle plates) or blood contamination (e.g. visible splatter) and non bacterial, non blood (e.g. chemiluminescence or coloured dyes) contamination. All studies found contamination at all sites although the contamination associated with hand scaling was very low. Contamination was identified in all of the studies even where suction was used at baseline. Higher power settings created greater contamination. Distribution of contamination varied in relation to operator position and was found on the operator, patient and assistant with higher levels around the head of the operator and the mouth and chest of the patient. Settle was identified 30 min after treatments had finished but returned to background levels when measured at or after an hour. The evidence was generally low to medium quality and likely to underestimate contamination.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic scaling, air polishing and prophylaxis procedures produce contamination (splatter, droplets and aerosol) in the presence of suction, with a small amount of evidence showing droplets taking between 30 min and 1 h to settle. Consideration should be given to infection control, areas of cleaning particularly around the patient and appropriate personal protective equipment, with particular attention to respiratory, facial and body protection for these procedures. In addition, the use of lower power settings should be considered to reduce the amount and spread of contamination.

Delphi Project on the trends in Implant Dentistry in the COVID-19 era: Perspectives from Latin America

AIM

To establish trends in Implant Dentistry in Latin America in the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A steering committee and an advisory group of experts in Implant Dentistry were selected among eighteen countries. An open-ended questionnaire by Delphi methodology was validated including 64 questions, divided in 7 topics, concerning the various trends in dental implantology. The survey was conducted in two rounds, which provided the participants in the second round with the results of the first. The questionnaires were completed on August 2020, and the online meeting conference was held on September 2020. The final prediction was developed through consensus by a selected group of experts.

RESULTS

A total of 197 experts from Latin America answered the first and second questionnaire. In the first round, the established threshold for consensus (65%) was achieved in 30 questions (46.87%). In the second round, performed on average 45 days later, this level was achieved in 47 questions (73.43%). Consensus was completely reached on the item "Diagnostic" (100%), the field with the lowest consensus was "Demand for treatment with dental implants" (37.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study in Latin America has provided relevant and useful information on the predictions in the education and practice of Implant Dentistry in the COVID-19 era. The consensus points toward a great confidence of clinicians in the biosecurity protocols used to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It is foreseen as an important change in education, with introduction of virtual reality and other simulation technologies in implant training.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on periodontal practice: A questionnaire survey

Aim

This cross‐sectional study sought to investigate the factors possibly related to the impact caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the practice of periodontists, in two countries.

Materials and methods

A total of 254 periodontists with active periodontics licensing in Brazil and the United States participated in the survey. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and the dependent variable was the perceived impact of the pandemic on periodontists' practice routines. Odds ratios were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Periodontists in private practice were 83% less likely to report a significant impact of the pandemic on their clinical routine as compared with professionals who work in the public sector or in academic institutions (CI 95%: 0.05–0.47). The financial impact of the pandemic was significantly associated with a perceived severe impact of the pandemic on their routines (OR: 1.36; CI 95%: 1.16–1.61). Professionals who have enhanced their hand‐washing routine were more likely to report a significant impact of the pandemic by 3.41 times (CI 95%: 1.28–9.04) relative to those who have not altered their hand‐washing protocols.

Conclusion

The pandemic is associated with a negative impact on the practice of periodontists, especially those working in public sectors and academic institutions.

Urgent dental care on a national level during the COVID-19 epidemic

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to report and discuss the organization and statistics of dental care during the COVID-19 epidemics on the national level in Slovenia, providing helpful information to health policy planners worldwide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During an eight-week lockdown, Emergency Dental Centers (EDCs) were established and coordinated on the national level to treat patients' urgent dental conditions. Telemedicine was used on the first level of triage to reduce contacts between healthcare workers and patients. Weekly coordination between EDCs was supported by real-time data acquisition on the number of patient visits, prescribed medicine, the number and type of dental procedures, and the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

RESULTS

In EDCs, 27,468 patients were serviced, on average 235 patients per day/million people. The care was provided by 4798 man days of dental health care workers. Except for the first week, treatment and triage visits showed a slight increase. The number of incisions was nearly constant, while the number of extractions increased. A nearly threefold increase was found for emergency endodontic treatments (EET). The number of antibiotic prescriptions demonstrated an increasing trend. Analgesic prescriptions showed a decreasing trend from the beginning of lockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

The reorganization and centralization of dental care proved to be an efficient model in Slovenia for the provision of urgent dental care, and the management of the healthcare workforce and PPE. Data from this study may provide helpful information for planning the needs and corresponding resources for the next waves of epidemics of COVID-19.