Abstract:

Introduction: Dentists are part of the leading medical professionals and their role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is extremely important. Dentists have been identified as having a “very high risk” of exposure, particularly when performing aerosol generating procedures on infectious patients.

Aim: To study the transition of dentists’ professional behavior induced by Covid-19 pandemic and to analyze the problems in compliance with the anti-epidemic measures.

Materials and methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 466 dentists, includes 19 questions relevant to: prevention and control of dental infections, financial and logistical difficulties and so on. The study timeframe is July 2020 – October 2021.

Results: According to the type of treated patients, 55% (n = 258) of dentist state that they’ve served only emergencies, thus complying with the recommendations of the Bulgarian dental association. Lack of change in the daily practice was reported by 30% (n = 140) of the respondents. Of the respondent, 69% (n = 322) had a problem getting supplies, such

as gloves, masks, disinfectants, etc. and respectively 31% (n = 140) had no problem and most dentists (92%, n = 427) reported paying a drastically higher amount to supply the necessary quantities of them. More than half of the respondents (51.5%, n = 240) were afraid while working with patients.

Conclusions: Only strict adherence to the WHO recommendations would help to quickly deal with the pandemic, reduce financial losses and logistics, save lives and help preserve the physical and mental health of people.