THE EFFECTS of THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC on the DEMAND for DENTAL TREATMENT

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report on the level of knowledge of people about Covid-19 symptoms, transmission routes and personal protective equipment use during the Covid-19 pandemic normalization process, to determine the health institutions they will prefer for dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 226 individuals aged 18 and over who went to dental institutions like dentsitry of faculties, dental clinics, public and private hospitals at least once in the last 2 years participated in this survey. RESULTS: The range with the highest number of participants is the 20-30 age group; university graduated, small family and a household of 3 people. Participants have a high level of knowledge about Covid-19 symptoms and transmission routes (p=0,001). Surgical masks(94%), hand disinfectants(95%) are the most common measures taken for Covid-19, while N95(24%) and visor(21%) are used the least. No significant relationship was found between socio-demographic characteristics and the level of knowledge about Covid-19 symptoms and transmission routes, and the use of personal protective equipment (p>0,05). Dentsitry of faculties monitor body temperature and mask use, and dental clinics monitor the use of masks more carefully than other health institutions (p=0,05). Among the reasons for the preference of health instutiations the precautions taken regarding the epidemic were not preferred,but only the ease of transportation(p=0,02) and financial reasons(p=0,00) were effective. 46% of the participants are aware of the measures taken by health institutions against Covid-19. CONCLUSION:Participants have sufficient knowledge about the transmission routes and symptoms of Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic was not effective in determining the health institution they would prefer.

Keywords

• covid-19
• hospital preference
• level of knowledge
• dental treatment
• pandemic