COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment-Related Challenges Faced by Pediatric Dentists during patient care: A Qualitative Study

Yarmunja Mahabala Karuna; Ramya Shenoy; Ashwin Rao; Anupama Panakaje Nayak; Charisma Thimmaiah; Violet D'Souza

Authors

Yarmunja Mahabala Karuna
Ramya Shenoy
Ashwin Rao
Anupama Panakaje Nayak
Charisma Thimmaiah
Violet D'Souza

Keywords:

Pediatric Dentistry, Personal Protective Equipment, Psychology, Anxiety

Abstract

Objective: 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.

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