COVID-19 and personal protective equipment-related challenges pediatric dentists face during patient care: A qualitative study
Document Type
Article
Abstract
To describe the challenges pediatric dentists face while caring for their patients during the pandemic.
Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposefully sampled pediatric dentists. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews until the content of the collected data reached theoretical saturation. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using content analyses.
Results: Seven participants (four females and three males) between 29 and 50 years participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the analyses: Anxiety and fear; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its impact on care delivery; and 3) Behavior management.
Conclusion: Dental care delivery was challenging for pediatric dentists. They experienced high anxiety levels and modified their services according to the recommended guidelines while making accommodations to lessen patients' COVID-19-related anxiety. The additional mandated PPE use affected the communication between the dentists and their patients, affecting their dentist-patient bonding.
Publication Date
2024
Recommended Citation
YM, Karuna; R, Shenoy; A, Rao; AP, Nayak; C, Thimmaiah; and V, D'Souza, "COVID-19 and personal protective equipment-related challenges pediatric dentists face during patient care: A qualitative study" (2024). Health collection. 177.
https://impressions.manipal.edu/health-collection/177
