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Impact and Perspectives of Pediatric Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Unvaccinated Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

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  • Nelly Schulz-Weidner

    (Dental Clinic, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Justus Liebig University, Schlangenzahl 14, 35392 Giessen, Germany)

  • Maximiliane Amelie Schlenz

    (Dental Clinic, Department of Prosthodontics, Justus Liebig University, Schlangenzahl 14, 35392 Giessen, Germany)

  • Norbert Krämer

    (Dental Clinic, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Justus Liebig University, Schlangenzahl 14, 35392 Giessen, Germany)

  • Sarra Boukhobza

    (Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Katrin Bekes

    (Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has led to enormous challenges in pediatric dental care. In contrast to adults, many children are without any symptoms of disease if infected with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. The aim of this study was to conduct an inquiry into the perspective of pediatric dentists in Germany towards the impact of COVID-19 on daily patient care during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. All members of the Germany Society of Pediatric Dentistry were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire focused on five topics: safety measures, well-being/knowledge, patient care, prospects, and demographic data. A total of 549 pediatric dentists participated (58.11% females, 8.2% males, 0.18% inter/diverse, and 33.51% no answer). In total, 75.2% of the dental clinics were open during the first lockdown (LD1) and 78.1% during the second lockdown (LD2). In LD1, only 22.2% were operating at full capacity, while 40.1% were open with restrictions, and 11.8% only offered emergency treatment. In LD2, 71.2% of practices were operating again and resumed offering all treatment methods. A significant decrease in pediatric patients was reported due to the fact of COVID-19. Furthermore, measures, such as oral hygiene and recall appointments, were reduced. Measures that were performed after the lockdown were mainly aerosol-generating procedures and extractions as well as general anesthesia or sedation. The increased willingness to treat in the second lockdown has shown that pediatric dentists have adapted to the pandemic conditions, which seems to be of great importance, especially in view of the problem of unvaccinated children.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelly Schulz-Weidner & Maximiliane Amelie Schlenz & Norbert Krämer & Sarra Boukhobza & Katrin Bekes, 2021. "Impact and Perspectives of Pediatric Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Unvaccinated Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12117-:d:682218
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raffaella Docimo & Micaela Costacurta & Paola Gualtieri & Alberto Pujia & Claudia Leggeri & Alda Attinà & Giulia Cinelli & Silvia Giannattasio & Tiziana Rampello & Laura Di Renzo, 2021. "Cariogenic Risk and COVID-19 Lockdown in a Paediatric Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-18, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carl A. Maida & Marvin Marcus & Di Xiong & Paula Ortega-Verdugo & Elizabeth Agredano & Yilan Huang & Linyu Zhou & Steve Y. Lee & Jie Shen & Ron D. Hays & James J. Crall & Honghu Liu, 2022. "Investigating Perceptions of Teachers and School Nurses on Child and Adolescent Oral Health in Los Angeles County," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-16, April.

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