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The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 38633

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Prof. Dr. Gianrico Spagnuolo

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Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: oral medicine; dental materials; operative dentistry; oral health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Andrés Alonso Agudelo-Suárez

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Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
Interests: social inequalities in oral health; qualitative research in dentistry; systematic reviews; public health dentistry; social epidemiology; migration and oral health; oral epidemiology; life course approaches in oral health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world scientific panorama has changed substantially due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Especially in dentistry, dental staff is at high risk of COVID-19 contagion because of the closed face-to-face contact with patients and the constant exposure to fluids. This is the reason several recommendations and dental care protocols have been established to increase biosecurity among oral health services (public and private). In addition, social isolation measures have been implemented (although with differences in restrictions and regarding the application times of these measures). These situations have caused various restrictions in oral health care. In this context, the social, labor, and health conditions of dental health workers have changed dramatically. Similarly, the oral epidemiologic profile may be affected in different population groups, and a possible increase in oral health inequities is found.

In this Special Issue, we invite researchers around the world to submit different methodological and conceptual approaches that permit an increase in the scientific body on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in dental staff and the oral health epidemiological conditions of different social groups. Systematic/narrative reviews, epidemiological characterizations, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Gianrico Spagnuolo

Dr. Andrés Alonso Agudelo-Suárez
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

COVID-19
dentistry
oral health
dental caries
periodontal disease
SARS-CoV-2 infection
coronavirus
qualitative research
dental research
mixed methods

Related Special Issue

2nd Edition of The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (4 articles)

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probable Bruxism and Psychological Issues among Dental Students in Serbia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Veljko Kolak, Maja Pavlovic, Ema Aleksic, Vladimir Biocanin, Milica Gajic, Ana Nikitovic, Marija Lalovic, Irena Melih and Dragana Pesic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137729 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2144

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the routine way of life, having consequences in many segments of life, including dental practice and education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of probable bruxism in a sample of dental students in Serbia and to estimate the potential association between psychological factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the presence of bruxism. A cross-sectional study included 178 dental students in Serbia, who were interviewed using a specially-designed self-administered online questionnaire, which consisted of three sections, and after that, a clinical examination for the presence of bruxism symptoms in the oral cavity. Psychological status was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Saliva samples were taken to analyze salivary cortisol levels. The prevalence of probable bruxism was 34.8%. Respondents with probable bruxism had significantly higher DASS-21 and FCV-19S scores and mean values of salivary cortisol compared to non-bruxers. A history of COVID-19 infection, high stress, and fear of COVID-19 scores were associated with the presence of probable bruxism. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a great psychological impact and impact on the presence and worsening of bruxism symptoms in a sample of dental students in Serbia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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15 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

General Labor Well-Being in Latin American Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Teresa Evaristo-Chiyong, Manuel Antonio Mattos-Vela, Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez, Ana del Carmen Armas-Vega, Juan Carlos Cuevas-González, Clarisse Virginia Díaz-Reissner, Ana Cristina López Torres, Cecilia María Martínez-Delgado, Manuel Amed Paz-Betanco, María Antonieta Pérez-Flores, Sylvia Piovesan-Suárez, Adriana Pistochini and Yajaira Romero-Uzcátegui

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106317 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the general labor well-being of Latin American dentists according to sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a final sample of 2214 participants from 11 countries. A validated online questionnaire on general work well-being was used (data collection period from 1 June to 10 July 2021), containing two dimensions: psychosocial well-being and collateral effects. The sociodemographic characteristics of the dentists and their perception of the economic impact of the pandemic were also recorded. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed (hierarchical regression model) to evaluate the joint effect of the explanatory variables on labor well-being and the changes in the variance between each model. A score of psychosocial well-being of 233.6 + 40.2 and collateral effects of 45 + 20.1 was found. Psychosocial well-being was associated with sex, country of origin, academic training achieved, type of dental activity, and perceived impact during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Somatization was frequently manifested through back pain (88.2%) and muscular tensions (87.2%). Women, those who worked 41 or more hours and had between 1 to 15 years of professional experience presented a greater collateral effect (p < 0.001). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic a year and a half after it began on the labor well-being of Latin American dentists was evidenced with important interactions with social characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

14 pages, 1453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pediatric Dental Emergency Visits and Treatment during Lockdown in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study

by Amir Elalouf, Rubanenko Moran, Bernstein Yaron and Michal Oman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073774 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2343

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all the professions of life, particularly the healthcare sector. In dentistry, prevention of viral spread among healthcare professionals and patients was a substantial challenge. The virus can directly or indirectly infect dentists during dental procedures. This study focuses on the purpose of pediatric patients’ emergency visits to dental clinics and the treatments practiced during the lockdown. It compares the purpose of emergency pediatric patient visits in dental clinics and their treatments before, during, and after the lockdown periods. Computerized data for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), between 19 March and 30 April and after the lockdown period from 1 May to 12 June 2020, were collected from five random dental clinics in Israel. The emergency visits of patients under 18 years before, during, and after the lockdown was organized into demographic characteristics, the purpose of the visits, and the treatments with medication or dental procedures. Categorical variables were compared and correlated with the chi-squared test and Pearson’s test, respectively, by using SPSS version 21. During the lockdown, emergency cases got appointments for a physical checkup. Herein, we found higher cases of emergency visits of pediatric patients with pain (n = 281, 32.6%) than trauma (n = 18, 24.7%), followed by infection (n = 31, 28.4%) and treatment continuation (n = 7, 20.6%) during the lockdown period, compared to before and after the lockdown periods. The patients treated with medication and dental procedures during lockdown were significantly different (p < 0.001) than before and after the lockdown. Extraction (n = 81, 41.5%), filling (n = 84, 50.6%), fluoride (n = 13, 92.9%), and pulp treatment (n = 92, 42.6%) were substantially practiced in pediatric patients during the lockdown. Further, this study confirmed the rapid adaptation of professional dentists to deal with non-vaccinated pediatric patients and reinforced the better preparation and requirements for such challenges in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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10 pages, 995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Students’ Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Cross-Sectional Study from Norway

by Ida Heitmann Løset, Torgils Lægreid and Ewa Rodakowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053102 - 06 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to map dental students’ experience of the study situation throughout the pandemic. All clinical dental students (year 3 to 5) at the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Dentistry (IKO), University of Bergen (UiB), Norway, were invited. Participation was anonymous and voluntary, and the response rate was 63%. Questions regarding stress-related factors were divided into three categories. In the category «Stressors/learning», a statistically significant difference was observed between both the genders (p = 0.001) and years of study (p = 0.028). Statistically significant differences between the genders were also observed in the category «Stressors/infection» (p = 0.008). Women were significantly more stressed due to lack of clinical skills (p = 0.048), not receiving as good theoretical teaching as before the pandemic (p = 0.016), and uncertain issues around the exams (p = 0.000). Fourth year students were significantly more stressed due to lack of clinical skills (p = 0.012), for not passing the clinic/skills courses due to lack of study progression (p = 0.005), and worries about not being a good enough dentist after graduation (p = 0.002). In conclusion, the pandemic had a major impact on dental students. The most prominent stressors in relation to the study situation were experienced by students from the fourth year and female students. Clinical and theoretical learning outcomes among students were regarded as worse than before the pandemic. The students preferred in presence lectures, but experienced digital asynchronous video lectures as a good alternative. The pandemic negatively affected the students’ social life. Dental schools should be aware that students have been exposed to increased distress and burden through the pandemic and should provide support for those in need. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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14 pages, 8435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Israeli Orthodontic Practice: A Clinic’s Activity and Patients’ Attitudes

by Tatiana Sella Tunis, Tal Ratson, Shlomo Matalon, Michael Abba, Alex Abramson, Moshe Davidovitch and Nir Shpack

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19041965 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

The current study aimed to characterize the activity in orthodontic clinics during the COVID-19-induced lockdown and the inter-lockdown periods, as well as to evaluate patients’ perspectives with respect to their fears, their extent of cooperation with treatment, and their emergency needs during the lockdown. The data were gathered from 11 private orthodontic clinics from 1 January 2020 to 8 March 2021, which included three lockdowns and inter-lockdowns. Information specifying the number of admissions, missed appointments, and emergency visits was gathered. Four hundred and twenty-nine orthodontic patients treated in those clinics agreed to complete a questionnaire that evaluated their concerns and expectations, the treatment emergency issues, implementation of the orthodontist’s instructions, and contact with the clinical staff during lockdowns. There was a significant increase in the number of scheduled appointments during the inter-lockdown periods, compared with the pre-pandemic period (p = 0.001). No difference in the number of missed/canceled or emergency appointments was found between the different periods (p > 0.420). The majority (89.6%) of the emergency visits involved issues with appliances; 68.7% of the subjects were advised to present themselves at clinics. During the peaks of the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp rise in the number of missed and urgent appointments was not found. Reducing the number of orthodontic emergencies may assist in reducing patient fears. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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12 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fear Factor in Seeking Dental Care among Saudis during COVID-19 Pandemic

by Maria Salem Ibrahim, Hala Alibrahim, Abdullah Al Madani, Abdulaziz Alamri, Mohamed Bamashmous and Abrar Tounsi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010589 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2591

Abstract

The recent coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to major lifestyle changes. The present study sought to assess factors associated with fear to seek dental care during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. An online questionnaire was filled by a convenient sample of adult Saudi residents through mobile instant messaging application. The following measures were collected: sociodemographic characteristics, fear of COVID-19 using validated Fears of Illness and Virus Evaluation scale, fear to seek dental care, perceived health status, and COVID-19 experience. There were 826 participants involved in this study (541 females and 285 males, mean age: 38.8 ± 13.29 years). Fear to seek dental care was significantly higher among females, younger age groups, people who perceived poor general and oral health, and people who perceived high risk of contracting the virus in dental clinics. After controlling for confounders, fear to seek dental care was significantly higher among the age group of 35–44 years, those who perceived high and moderate risk of COVID-19 infection in dental clinics, and among participants who reported untreated dental conditions. Fear that Others Get Sick, Fear of the Impact on Social Life, and Behaviors Related to Illness and Virus Fears were significantly associated with high levels of fear to seek dental care. Within the study’s limitations, fear of COVID-19 negatively impacted the study population’s willingness to seek dental treatment. Factors such as age, perceived risk of COVID-19 infection in dental clinics, and untreated dental conditions were associated with fear to seek dental care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

18 pages, 392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Nurses’ Mental Health in Germany: A Nationwide Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Mohamed Mekhemar, Sameh Attia, Christof Dörfer and Jonas Conrad

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158108 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2429

Abstract

Several studies have found a rise in the rate of psychological discomfort among healthcare personnel since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between psychological variables of anxiety, depression, stress, avoidance, intrusion and hyperarousal and several factors among German dental nurses. For this poll, dental nurses were asked nationwide to take part via an online-based survey from July 2020 to January 2021. This survey gathered data on demographics, as well as psychological assessments through the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). The correlations between DASS-21/IES-R ratings and sociodemographic data were investigated using univariate analyses (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests). Single comparisons were performed using the Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc test if a relevant test result was significant followed by multiple linear regressions. Furthermore, 252 dental nurses took part in the study and showed overall normal or mild results of all psychological variables. Having immune-deficiency or chronic diseases, employment at a dental practice, being married, having no children and seeing the pandemic as a financial threat were presented as significant risk factors (p ≤ 0.05) with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores. These results emphasize the aspects that must be considered to safeguard German dental nurses’ mental wellbeing during the crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

18 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Stress in Dentists and Dental Students of Latin America and the Caribbean during the Mandatory Social Isolation Measures for the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Roberto A. León-Manco, Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez, Ana Armas-Vega, Márcia Cançado Figueiredo, Francisca Verdugo-Paiva, Yrma Santana-Pérez and Andrés Viteri-García

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115889 - 30 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4648

Abstract

This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically considering the mandatory social isolation measures implemented, on the perceived stress of a sample of dentists and dental students from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the associated sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 2036 dentists and dental students (1433 women). For the main outcome, the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used. The survey also questioned sociodemographic aspects, questions on the COVID-19 pandemic, health variables, and habits. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses (linear regression) were applied to observe the factors associated with perceived stress. The PSS-14 mean score was 24.76 (±11.76). Hierarchical regression models showed significant variables associated with the PSS-14 scores: income level during mandatory social isolation, having older adults under care during mandatory social isolation, self-perceived level of concern regarding COVID-19, self-perceived health, Coffee consumption during mandatory social isolation. In general terms, the pandemic has influenced the personal, social, labor, and everyday life of dental staff and affected the mental health of this population specifically when perceived stress is considered. Public policies, strategies, and mental health surveillance systems are required for this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

14 pages, 10191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rate among Romanian Dental Practitioners

by Ondine Lucaciu, Antonia Boca, Anca Stefania Mesaros, Nausica Petrescu, Ovidiu Aghiorghiesei, Ioana Codruta Mirica, Ioan Hosu, Gabriel Armencea, Simion Bran and Cristian Mihail Dinu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094897 - 04 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dental treatments, the present research aimed to assess the infection rate among dental practitioners from Romania and to analyze the economic impact of Covid-19 on dental offices. We designed a web-based survey distributed to dental practitioners from Romania. The survey included questions that assessed demographic data from the dentists who completed the questionnaire, along with economic aspects and epidemiological aspects related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practitioners. Five hundred and seven dentists completed the survey. Three-quarters of the assessed dental offices reported a decrease in the income and patient volume compared to 2019. More than half of the patients visiting the dental office paid more attention to the risk of infection and to prevention methods. Most dental offices implemented specific protective equipment for doctors. Three thousand seven hundred thirty-five dental practitioners were working in the 507 assessed dental offices, and among them, 238 COVID-19 cases of contamination were recorded. High contamination rates were registered in October (48, 20.1%), November (66, 27.7%), and December 2020 (52, 21.85%). Contamination mostly took place at home (114 cases, 47.8%) or resulted from event attendance. This study underlines an overall greater level of safety and an increased patient addressability in dental offices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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Review

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14 pages, 8146 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Prolonged Post-COVID-19 Symptoms and Their Implications on Dental Management

by Trishnika Chakraborty, Rizwana Fathima Jamal, Gopi Battineni, Kavalipurapu Venkata Teja, Carlos Miguel Marto and Gianrico Spagnuolo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105131 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 11069

Abstract

The available data regarding the short and long-term consequences of COVID-19 is still insufficient. This narrative review aims to provide information on the prolonged COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients and their implications during dental management. Additionally, this manuscript highlights the oral manifestations of COVID-19 and its management. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases, WHO and CDC websites, and grey literature was searched through Google Scholar. Clinical articles (clinical trials, case-reports, cohort, and cross-sectional studies) were included, reporting prolonged post-COVID-19 symptoms. Although COVID-19 is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, its multi-organ involvement is responsible for several prolonged symptoms, including oral implications. In recovered patients with prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, considerations for providing dental treatment has to be made as they can present with assortment of symptoms. These prolonged post-COVID-19 symptoms can affect the delivery of the required dental treatment. Hence, the recommendations proposed in this narrative review can be a useful starting point to aid dental teams providing adequate care for such recovered patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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Other

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2 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Sycinska-Dziarnowska et al. The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Interest in Orthodontic Treatment and Perspectives for the Future. Real-Time Surveillance Using Google Trends. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5647

by Christos Livas and Konstantina Delli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312833 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1441

Abstract

With great interest we have read the recently published study titled “The Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Interest in Orthodontic Treatment and Perspectives for the Future. Real-Time Surveillance Using Google Trends” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry and Oral Health: A Global Perspective)

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