COVID-19 PANDEMIC: IMPACTS IN DENTISTRY PRACTICE IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL


This research evaluated the impacts caused by COVID-19 pandemic on dental care and health of dentists in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: Data were collected by a self-administered online questionnaire. Data analysis were performed by descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. A total of 285 dentists completed the survey. The data showed the compliance and effectiveness of biosafety protocols. The measures adopted to combat the virus associated with vaccination showed effectiveness, since the proportion of professionals contaminated before the vaccine was low (17.2%), as well as after the first and second dose (2.8% and 12, 6%). However, with the reduction in patient care, most dentists suffered a decrease in financial income. In addition, the pandemic had a significant impact on mental health of these professionals and women were more psychologically affected. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted dentists in different ways including changes in clinical routine, decrease in income and induction of mental health problems.