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Patient Perspective on Dental Care Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey During Omicron Stage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced dental care behaviors, with increased concern over virus transmission. This study provides insights into Thai patient behaviors and attitudes about dental care during the Omicron wave. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via Google Forms in June 2022, collecting sociodemographic data, attitudes, and behaviors related to dental care during the pandemic. Nine hundred and seventy-eight responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U -test, and multiple linear regression. Nearly half of the respondents expressed high to extreme concerns about delayed dental care affecting oral health (49.3%) and the risk of contracting COVID-19 in dental settings (45.7%). Individuals who avoided dental visits increased from 8.1% before the pandemic to 36.3% during the pandemic. However, 59.4% of respondents reported confidence in avoiding COVID-19 when dental workers strictly followed preventive measures. The study highlights concern over delayed dental care and COVID-19 risks, leading to increased avoidance of visits. However, strict preventive measures by dental workers boosted confidence, emphasizing the need for effective infection control to ensure continued access to dental care.

Source: Journal of Patient Experience

DOI: 10.1177/23743735251342125

Authors: Paratcha Pingsuthiwong, Paswach Wiriyakijja, Pagaporn Pantuwadee Pisarnturakit, Keskanya Subbalekha

Institution: Chulalongkorn University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Research and COVID-19

Subfield: General Dentistry

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,380