Impact of COVID-19 on dental practice and anxiety among increased risk group dentists: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The likelihood of infection with SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in the dental office is considered high.

OBJECTIVES

Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 on dental practices and anxiety levels in risk group Brazilian dentists.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software (Pearson's Chi-square association test, multivariate logistic regression, and Poisson multiple regression), with subsequent calculation of the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval, with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

Responses of 578 dentists distributed in all regions of Brazil were collected. Most of the dentists were female, with an average age of 35. Of the participants, 23.4% were part of the increased risk group for COVID-19. The professionals who belonged to the increased risk group had a greater chance of not feeling prepared to perform consultations (OR = 1.67) and were not performing any procedures during the pandemic (OR = 2.03). Belonging to the increased risk group did not influence anxiety levels among the dentists. The factors associated with increased anxiety were being female, being younger, working in the southeastern region of the country, being afraid of contracting COVID-19 while working, and being concerned for one's professional future.

CONCLUSIONS

The pandemic has had a negative impact on the professional practice of individuals at risk, but the level of anxiety was like professionals who were not part of the increased risk group for COVID-19.