Accessibility to dental services in the pandemic conditions COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction Populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 are also at higher risk for oral diseases and experience oral health and oral health care disparities at higher rates. It has led to closure and reduced hours of dental practices except for emergency services, limiting routine care. Purpose Analysis and evaluation of accessibility aspects to dental services in the conditions of pandemic COVID-19. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Microsoft – Excel package. Material and methods The research group included the analysis of 67 respondents from dental clinics in the RM & 57 respondents from Israel. A cross-sectional study was performed using the Google-forms questionnaire. It included: general data, obstacles aspects for the provision of the service; particularities regarding the level of hygienic oral education, and (before & present Covid-19 period). Results In completing the questionnaire participated both respondents from Israel and the RM. From the beginning, in order to complete the questionnaire, the graduates from the NT-SMPhU and the beneficiaries of the dental service. The distribution of 2 subgroups, mentions that they predominated, age 20-29 years, which confirms the comparability of their subgroups of opinions regarding access to the dental service. The Q "Did you have issues about visiting dental clinic - because of Covid-19?", the beneficiaries of the Israel totally denied, when the beneficiaries of RM 3 out of 4 denied that they had problems with the dental service. Conclusions Oral health is an important component of health and overall well-being. People were most likely to seek this type of information directly from their dental practice. This suggests there is an ongoing need for the public and patients to have clear communication that are available to dental services in the pandemic conditions COVID-19.